Step through the door at 5 W Maple Ave and you are greeted by a sweet rush of cocoa and nostalgia. Aunt Charlotte’s Candies has been handcrafting treats since 1920, and the magic still feels brand new.
From holiday traditions to everyday delights, this beloved Merchantville icon turns simple moments into memory making. Ready to taste why locals keep coming back generation after generation?
A century of sweetness: the story behind Aunt Charlotte’s
Aunt Charlotte’s Candies began in 1920, and you can feel that history as soon as you cross the threshold. The shop’s old fashioned charm is not staged, it is lived in, with polished wood cases and neat rows of hand dipped chocolates.
You sense generations who have chosen this place for birthdays, holidays, and just because moments.
What stands out is how family and craft intertwine. Recipes are guarded but generously shared through every buttercream and brittle.
You learn quickly that Merchantville locals measure time by seasons of chocolate eggs, Irish Potatoes, and ribbon wrapped boxes.
The store has adapted without losing its soul. New treats appear, packaging refreshes, and the website makes browsing easier, yet the heart remains the same.
Even during busy peaks, the team holds to hand made standards you can taste.
Walk the aisles and you will spot curated gifts alongside the sweets. Stuffed animals, seasonal trinkets, and cards make one stop gifting simple.
It is not just a candy purchase, it is an experience that still feels personal.
What to order first: signature chocolates and hand dipped favorites
If you are overwhelmed by choice, start with the dark chocolate nonpareils. They are beloved for a reason, with the perfect snap and that playful sprinkle crunch.
Then move to hand dipped marshmallows and rice krispie treats, which regulars rave about for their pillowy texture.
Do not skip the chocolate covered pretzels. The sweet salty balance wins over even the not so sweet toothed.
Buttercreams, caramels, and pecan clusters round out a classic sampler that never disappoints.
Seasonal stars deserve attention too. Irish Potatoes in late winter, glossy chocolate eggs near Easter, and themed assortments for Christmas and Thanksgiving.
You can build a box or pick pre wrapped options when time is short.
Ask for a taste when available, because staff often shares samples. That small courtesy helps you choose with confidence and a smile.
Before you know it, you will be carrying out more than planned, and you will not regret it.
Holiday traditions and timing your visit
Holidays at Aunt Charlotte’s are legendary, and the crowds prove it. Easter brings ornate chocolate eggs and caramel pecan favorites that sell quickly.
Christmas turns the shop into a classic postcard, with lines that may loop the floor.
To enjoy the bustle without the overwhelm, go early in the day and earlier in the season. Weekdays right after opening usually feel calmer.
If you see a ticket machine at the door, grab a number before browsing.
Plan your gift list ahead so you can move efficiently. Prepackaged assortments speed things up, and gift wrapping is beautifully done when offered.
If you are driving, build in extra time for parking during peak weeks.
When it is crowded, patience pays off, because the chocolates are worth the wait. Even long time customers avoid certain peak hours, then return once lines settle.
Either way, you leave with armfuls of joy and a renewed holiday spirit.
Inside the shop: layout, displays, and how to navigate
The floor plan is straightforward once you slow down and take it in. Long glass cases showcase hand dipped pieces, with attendants ready to build boxes by the pound.
Nearby tables hold prepacked assortments and seasonal displays you can grab and go.
Look left for brittles, licorice, gummies, and nostalgia candy that delights every generation. A section of plush animals and small gifts makes pairing chocolate with keepsakes easy.
You can put together a thoughtful present in minutes.
During rushes, the front ticket counter helps maintain order, though it can feel confusing. Take a number first, then explore while you wait to be called.
Keep your selections handy so checkout stays smooth.
If you need wrapping, ask early so it can be prepared as you browse. The result looks elegant without fuss, saving time on your end.
By the time you step outside, your bag will feel like a celebration in itself.
Local tips: hours, parking, and calling ahead
Before you go, check hours because Sunday is closed and weekdays open at 9:30 AM. Most days wrap at 5:30 PM, so plan earlier pickups, especially for gifts.
A quick phone call to +1 856 662 0058 can confirm stock and seasonal items.
Parking in Merchantville can be tight during peak seasons. Arrive near opening for the best spots and a calm browse.
If you are coordinating multiple gifts, consider two quick trips instead of one marathon visit.
Have a backup plan for lines. Grab a number if it is in use, and keep your selections consolidated to speed checkout.
Bringing your own reusable bag is handy since New Jersey limits plastics.
For large orders, ask about timing and availability so the team can prepare. You get fresher candy and a smoother experience.
A little planning turns a sweet errand into a pleasant small town outing.
Gifts that impress: wrapping, assortments, and presentation
Presentation matters, and this shop treats it like an art form. Boxes are sturdy, ribbons are crisp, and seasonal papers feel thoughtfully chosen.
You can hand someone a package and it already looks celebration ready.
Assortments are curated for different tastes. Classic milk and dark mixes, nut lovers boxes, buttercreams, and themed holiday selections cover every preference.
If you prefer a custom box, staff will guide you through the case.
When gifting, think about texture variety so each bite feels new. Pair smooth caramels with crunchy brittle and a few fruity pieces.
Add a plush or trinket for kids, or a reusable tin for keepsakes.
Gift wrap can be the difference between nice and unforgettable. Ask for paper that matches the occasion, especially around holidays.
You will walk out with a polished present that makes you look wonderfully prepared.
Beyond chocolate: brittles, licorice, and nostalgic candies
Chocolate headlines the show, but the supporting cast is fantastic. Almond brittle shatters just right, and peanut brittle brings a buttery warmth.
Fruit slices and gummies brighten boxes with color and chew.
Licorice fans, you are seen. The Australian black licorice mentioned by customers is moist, bold, and surprisingly fresh.
Grab two bags because one disappears faster than you expect.
Nostalgia has a place here, with jars and bags that recall childhood counters. You can build a rainbow of sweets for parties or movie nights.
Add non chocolate options to keep every guest happy.
Ask staff for pairings that complement a chocolate assortment. They will help you balance textures and flavors without overwhelming the palate.
You leave with a mix that satisfies every craving on the list.
Why it endures: service, community, and that first bite
What keeps people returning is not only taste, but trust. The staff greets you like a neighbor and guides choices without pushiness.
That small kindness turns errands into rituals you look forward to repeating.
Community threads through every season. School gifts, holiday baskets, and last minute thank you boxes all start here.
Reviews consistently praise friendly help and those unexpected sample moments at the register.
Of course, the final word belongs to flavor. A dark chocolate nonpareil or caramel pecan egg can stop conversation.
The balance of texture, sweetness, and cocoa depth signals careful craft.
When you want to recapture childhood delight, this is where you go. One bite brings back simpler days, yet the quality stands firmly today.
That is why Aunt Charlotte’s Candies remains a South Jersey treasure.