Two weeks after opening his candy shop downtown, Penn State alumnus Sal Pisapia said he expects business to be sweeter than it has been so far.

Happy Valley Candy, 421 E. Beaver Ave., opened Sept. 26 after Pisapia, Class of 2004, decided he wanted to open his own business and work for himself.

"The first two weeks have been fine, but we need more advertising," Pisapia said. "Things will pick up. Everyone likes candy."

Before settling on the decision to open Happy Valley Candy, Pisapia said he considered other options.

"I thought about maybe opening a bar or pizza place," Pisapia said. "But there are so many places like that around here."

Pisapia then came up with the idea of opening a candy store after noticing the demand for such a business was not being met in State College.

"I got to know the area and figured we didn't have anything like that here," he said. "We wanted a fresh idea, and there isn't too much competition. There is no other store in town quite like it."

Pisapia checked out candy stores in his hometown on Long Island, N.Y., for inspiration before opening his own store.

"I went in and saw what they carried," Pisapia said. "I also asked what their bestsellers were."

Pisapia's friend and former roommate Don Slother (junior-philosophy) is the store's only employee.

"I needed someone I trust to take care of the store when I'm not here," Pisapia said.

Slother's duties include helping customers, ringing up sales and making sure the candy bins are kept full and fresh.

"It's a fun job," Slother said. "You get to joke around with customers."

Happy Valley Candy carries more than 120 different types of candy and prices it by weight, but there is no minimum purchase, Pisapia said. Bulk candy costs $5.99 per pound.

Behind the front counter is a suggestion box. Pisapia said he encourages customers to share their opinions about the store's layout and the items it stocks.

"We accept criticism and suggestions," Pisapia said. "If there's something we don't have, tell us."

Pisapia has left about 20 of the store's bins empty and plans to fill them as customers suggest items.

Jennifer Hughes (sophomore-accounting) said she thinks people visiting State College will make up most of the store's business.

"When parents and families come up, the store will probably be really busy," she said.

"That might be enough to keep the store running even if the students don't go."

Brian Breskman (freshman-finance) said he did not think Happy Valley Candy would be successful in a college town. "No one wants candy. It's just empty calories," Breskman said. "People around here want dinner food that is cheaper and more filling."

Downtown Improvement District Director Teresa Sparacino said State College's other candy store, Chocolate Madness, 224 E. Calder Way, and Happy Valley Candy should not impact one another's businesses.

"Chocolate Madness is just that, chocolate," Sparacino said. "They're two different markets."

Slother said he thinks Pisapia is doing a great job of pleasing his customers. "He likes to see people smile," Slother said. "And people are amazed when they walk by. It really is the sweetest spot in State College."