Employee Spotlight! Amanda Dukala
It's spooky season, and one of our favorite parts of October is definitely the trick-or-treating and the candy. And if you've ever been into Abt, you'll know that we've got a sweet tooth that's only satisfied in our Candy Store, and the Employee Spotlight who runs it—Amanda Dukala. Amanda has been the smiling face behind the counter at our Candy Store for years, and as the chief of sweets, she's helped guide this part of the store through season after season. Whether you're looking for heaping scoops of chocolate-covered gummy bears or candy bars from yesteryear, Amanda has decked out the space with everything you might need for a pick-me-up on your shopping trip.
Meet Amanda!
While she loves working in The Candy Store, it's not where Amanda first started. She began her time at Abt over ten years ago on our Customer Service team, where the goal has always been to help customers find exactly what they need, whether that's assistance with a return, help over the phone or something else entirely. "The goal is always to try and find a solution that makes people happy. I learned a lot from customer service, but when I heard we were going to start a candy store, I volunteered!" After just a year or so at Abt, Amanda was moving from the Customer Service team to the newly minted Abt Candy Store.
What Does a Day in The Candy Store Look Like?
If you've never seen Abt's Candy Store in person, it's a sight to behold. From the larger-than-life lollipops inviting customers inside to the extra-large candy canes that anchor bins of gummy candy just waiting to be sampled, everything in here is colorful. Polka dots cover the walls, and no matter where you look, there's something sweet. Amanda fits right in, whether she's chatting with customers or refilling bins with fresh chocolates.
When we asked her what a normal day looks like inside the store in the center of Abt's Atrium, she smiled. "Well, I help people pick out and bag candy and make sure everything stays as clean as possible. But seeing little kids smile is the best part of my day." That's a good thing for Amanda, because kids are always dragging their parents into The Candy Store. Whether Mom and Dad picked out new kitchen appliances or a sibling just got their first iPad, sometimes you need a little something sweet to fuel up with. This is a space that's fun to shop, no matter your age.
A Little Something for Everyone
What else is great about the Candy Store? There's something for everyone, no matter who you are. "There's a lot to choose from. Some people have peanut allergies, some have gluten allergies, others are allergic to gelatin, so we try to have a little bit of everything." We'd say that's true no matter your age, too: classic Clark Bars, Necco Wafers and Bonomo Turkish Taffy in different flavors line the walls and are great for anyone hoping for something sweet and nostalgic. Nearby, you'll see multi-colored M&Ms and jelly beans of all different colors and flavors. Shoppers can fill up bags of their favorite colors and tastes, making this a great place to stop for party favors and top-notch flavors.
Even better? When Amanda talks about stocking something for everyone, she means it, especially when it comes to special treats for little ones. "Not every kid needs to leave with a bucket of candy, right? But if you give them a couple of pieces and a couple of options, they're very happy." And if you're staying away from sugar and sweets, there's more than just candy in The Candy Store. This space is packed with toys, too, from tiny cars that race along tracks, tables and floors to dolls and Play-Doh sets. Amanda makes sure there's always something fun for kids of any age, and you'll see it when you step inside.
Our Employee Spotlight works on more than just sweets and toys. Next door to the candy shop is our BlueStar kitchen, a space famed for Abt's free weekend cookies, and more recently, Alice's Coffee. Amanda has teamed up with former Employee Spotlight Maria Mavraganis to craft the coffee shop from scratch: Here, you can find everything from classic black coffee to espresso, matcha and even the occasional seasonal flavor. Between Alice's Coffee and The Candy Store, it's easy to find something you'll love thanks to our Employee Spotlight.
For Amanda, It's All About Smiles
Whether she's helping children pick out their favorite gummy candies, chatting with adults about which malted milk balls are the best (try the double-dipped milk chocolates) or laughing with older folks about their favorite vintage candies, one thing is the same: she wants to make people happy. "I love seeing kids' faces light up when they see The Candy Store. I have the sweetest job at Abt."
Local customers, if you've never come to The Candy Store and met Amanda or her team, now is a great time. Her space is all decked out with spooky (but not too spooky) decor for Halloween. And if you're not close by, you can still get a taste of The Candy Store and order our favorites online. When we asked Amanda if she had anything else to add, she smiled. "To see Abt from the outside is not the same as being inside ... if you've ever passed it on the highway, you may just see trucks, but if you never come in, you'll never see the fun, the bright lollipops. It's so pretty. It's a hard store to describe. You'll have to come in sometime, because it's so much fun. For me, it's nice to love my job."
We're glad to have Amanda here too, and couldn't imagine Abt without her, her smile, and all of the sweetness she brings to Abt. Next time you come to the store shopping for something new, whether that's an appliance, some tech or fresh furniture, head to The Candy Store to grab a little something sweet. Our recommendations? The chocolate-covered gummy bears, the gummy sharks, and the Abt PEZ candy dispenser—which Amanda dressed up as last year for Halloween. Happy spooky season, and don't forget to enjoy something a little extra sweet!
