MOUNT VERNON — An attempt to recreate one of Mount Vernon’s historic businesses will come to an end in October. Candyland, owned and operated by Dave Bumpus, will be closing after the first weekend of October.
“It was a conscious decision to close before I got into my retirement account,” Bumpus said. “I basically think the economy is the main culprit. I sent an e-mail to the White House — my third one — saying the stimulus package has seemed to bypass small downtown America. The competitive edge we used to have because we were unique only now draws customers from out of town because they think we are great. And my kind of business is what we call purchase postponement businesses. There’s nothing here that anybody really needs. They come when they need it.”
Bumpus said he hopes to stay in Mount Vernon and intends to try to remain active in the community.
I am looking at being open through the first weekend in October,” Bumpus said. “I’ll be open for that First Friday on (Oct. 2).”
The closing will have little impact on local employment. Bumpus was the only full-time employee although he said he used anywhere from three to four part-time employees.
