Ricky's Bubbles &Sweets Shoppe

- 102 Liberty St NE #130, Salem, OR 97301

For those in Oregon seeking a candy experience that is far from the "cookie-cutter commercialized" norm, Ricky's Bubbles & Sweets Shoppe in Salem offers a truly unique and memorable destination. Nestled in the beautifully restored McGilchrist Building, this local candy store transcends the typical sweet shop, creating an atmosphere that patrons often describe as a nostalgic wonderland. The shop is the realization of a dream by owner Jessica Boldenow, a Salem resident who sought to recreate the joyful childhood memories of spending pocket change on sweets and toys.

The shop's approach is to deliver an experience that appeals to all ages. Grown-ups are pulled into a state of recollection by the sight of old-school favorites and rare, hard-to-find candies, often exclaiming, “I haven't seen this in years!” or “I can't believe you actually have these!” Meanwhile, children and teens are delighted by the novelty items, unique setup, and vibrant selection of modern, foreign, and bulk treats. This blend of the past and present is what makes Ricky's so special—it's a place where children, parents, and businessmen alike can find a little something to make them smile, fulfilling the owner's mission to give everyone a sweet and joyful experience.

Customer reviews consistently highlight the incredible effort and "a lot of thought" that went into the store's "NEATEST sweet shop" aesthetic and setup, which contributes to a memorable atmosphere that feels like stepping into a movie. This vibrant energy, paired with exceptionally friendly service—with staff known to greet customers and even chat them up—ensures that every quick visit feels personal and warm.

Location and Accessibility

Ricky's Bubbles & Sweets Shoppe enjoys a prime, central location in the heart of downtown Salem, Oregon. Its placement in the McGilchrist Building on Liberty Street makes it a convenient and visible stop for anyone visiting the city center.

• Address: 102 Liberty St NE #130, Salem, OR 97301, USA

The store is committed to providing a comfortable shopping experience for all members of the community. Accessibility features ensure easy access:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot (likely in the surrounding downtown area)

The central downtown location is easily integrated into a day of shopping or errands in Salem, contributing to its suitability for a "Quick visit."

Services Offered

Ricky's Bubbles & Sweets Shoppe provides specialized retail services focused on an expansive selection of confectionery and related novelty items. Their core offerings are:

• Extensive Candy Retail: The primary service is the sale of a wide variety of sweets, catering to diverse tastes and nostalgia.
• Bulk Candy Purchases: Customers can select their favorite treats in larger quantities, which is perfect for parties, celebrations, or general enjoyment.
• Specialty and International Sweets: The shop curates and stocks hard-to-find treats, including foreign candies (such as Japanese and U.K. varieties), offering unique tasting experiences.
• Party and Baking Supplies: The store is a go-to source for essential party items, including a great selection of candy for cupcake toppings, as noted by customers, along with items like sparkler number candles.
• Novelty and Gift Items: Beyond just candy, the store offers knickknacks, unique gifts, "Blue Q Stuff," and even items like slime, making it a comprehensive destination for fun and quirky purchases.
• Modern Payment: Transactions are made easy with the acceptance of Credit cards and Debit cards.

Features / Highlights

The defining characteristics of Ricky's Bubbles & Sweets Shoppe are the elements that create its unique appeal in the Oregon candy landscape:

• Nostalgic & Non-Commercial Atmosphere: Customers rave that it is the "NEATEST sweet shop" they've ever seen, noting it is not a "cookie cutter commercialized one." The setting is intentionally designed to evoke joy and recollection, enhanced by playing "a good movie."
• Exceptional Selection: The store boasts a huge inventory including bulk candies, a variety of hard-to-find nostalgic treats (like Bottle Caps and Lemon Heads), and a wide selection of foreign sweets.
• Friendly and Engaging Service: The staff, including the owner, are repeatedly praised for being "super nice," "very nice," and providing a personal, light-energy shopping experience.
• Unique Inventory Items: The selection goes beyond candy to include specialized items such as poppin cookin kits, a vast collection of sodas, and novelty gifts, expanding its appeal.
• Party-Ready Stock: The availability of candy suitable for toppings and unique party items like sparkler candles makes it an ideal spot for celebration preparation.
• Convenience: The shop is categorized for a "Quick visit," making it easy for downtown workers or shoppers to pop in and grab what they need efficiently.

What is Worth Choosing

Ricky's Bubbles & Sweets Shoppe is an essential stop for Oregon locals and visitors alike because it offers a true destination experience, not just a retail transaction. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons:

Firstly, the atmosphere and inventory combine to create a deeply engaging and "extremely neat" environment. In a world dominated by big-box stores, the shop stands out as a charming, unique alternative where every shelf has "a lot of thought" behind it. This dedication to aesthetics and a memorable setup means the simple act of buying candy becomes a joyful, almost theatrical, outing.

Secondly, its specialization in the rare and nostalgic makes it the definitive local source for throwback treats. Customers who haven't seen certain candies since childhood will find themselves happily lost in the selection. This ability to tap into shared memories, alongside stocking cutting-edge and foreign sweets, positions it as a genuine candy curator, not just a seller. Whether you are seeking a specific item for a themed event or just a trip down memory lane, Ricky's is likely to have it.

Finally, the shop is a boon for party planners. The ability to find not only bulk candy but also specialty items like unique cupcake toppings and party favors in one spot is a tremendous time-saver, as one satisfied customer confirmed. Coupled with the famously friendly service, which ensures a pleasant interaction, and the efficiency of a "Quick visit" model with card payment options, Ricky's Bubbles & Sweets Shoppe solidifies its reputation as the premier, non-commercialized candy shop in Salem, Oregon.

Ricky's Bubbles &Sweets Shoppe

102 Liberty St NE #130, Salem, OR 97301, USA