While State College cannot boast a fountain of youth, kids of all ages can satisfy their sweet tooth at the new candy store in town.

With an extensive variety of products and cheerful decorations, Candy Express, 202 W. College Ave., is designed "to appeal to the kid in everyone," said Michael Rosenberg, vice president in charge of training and store operations.

The store's mascot, "Candyboy," represents the typical American child, Rosenberg said. Dressed from head to toe in red, white and blue, Candyboy can be seen in the store's window holding an orange lollipop and waving to passers-by.

Valerie Koch (junior-exercise and sports science) said the music and bright decorations helped make her feel like a kid again.

"It's like a candyland," she said.

Candy Express opened its doors Saturday for its first day of business. Customers browsed through over 1,000 different candies, fudges and novelties while mood-setting songs like "Lollipop" and "Sugar Shack" played in the background.

Many customers said they enjoyed the store's diversity and lively atmosphere.

"It's a really fun, unique store," said Lorraine Betts (senior-math), clutching a bag of jellybeans.

Vowing to come back again, Stacey Lutz (junior-business logistics) and Meredith Oprishko (junior-elementary education) said they liked the store's decorations and were impressed with its variety of sweets.

Carrying a miniature garbage can filled with Hershey's Kisses, Janet Ryer (junior-secondary education) also said she enjoyed the store's youthful atmosphere.

"I felt like a kid in a candy shop," she said.

The State College Candy Express, 12th of a franchise based in Silver Spring, Md., gives customers the chance to do their own picking and choosing, said store manager Dana Pettinato. Candies are sectioned off according to prices so customers can mix and match their choices, she said. The store requires no minimum purchase and scales are available for customers to weigh their own selections, she added.

Included in the store's array are gourmet chocolates, salt water taffy, sugar-free candies and low-calorie candies. Ice cream and yogurts are also available and can be blended with most of the store's candies, Pettinato said.

"There's something for everybody," said William Smithson (senior-landscape contracting).

Customers in a hurry can call in their orders, and the store also plans to provide a mail service for those who want to send candy to friends and family, she said.