In 1988, the Company opened four company-owned stores in four different markets to test the viability of their candy concept. One store was located in a upscale regional mall, another in a middle market mall, one in a discount mall, and the fourth store in a tourist area. The consistency in sales and profitability demonstrated the concept had mass appeal and cut across gender, age, and socioeconomic groups. The response to these first stores was phenomenal and customer reaction and response to Candy Express has been extraordinary ever since. It has fueled national expansion and has allowed Candy Express to grow at a rapid rate. The dream of becoming America’s Candy Store quickly is becoming a reality.