‘It’s for the Kids’: Cornerstone Candy Opens to Strong Response in Downtown Clarksburg
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — When people asked why a candy store was opening in downtown Clarksburg, the family behind Cornerstone Candy offered a simple answer.
“It’s for the kids,” Cornerstone Candy wrote on its Facebook page. “Their smiles have brought us tears of joy the last two days.”
Those smiles have filled the historic former Merchants Bank Building since Cornerstone Candy officially opened Tuesday, Aug. 4, drawing a large crowd of families and community members to downtown Clarksburg.
The response followed months of work, planning and uncertainty for the new business.
“All the months of work, the doubt, and the fear of risk … gone and replaced by pure laughter,” Cornerstone Candy wrote following its opening.
The store also described its grand opening as an emotional milestone.
“We’re officially open! What an incredible day,” the business wrote. “Today marked the grand opening of Cornerstone Candy, and our hearts are absolutely full.”
Located at 140 South Third Street, the store occupies a historic downtown building that previously housed Merchants National Bank and, more recently, Community Bank. Richard and Kathy Swiger purchased the property in late 2025 and spent approximately eight months preparing it for its new use.
The building’s banking history remains part of the experience.
The former bank vault has been transformed into the Candy Vault, where customers can select candy and fill a gold-bar-shaped container. The store also includes vintage candy-making equipment, a working 1950s-style soda fountain, diner-style seating and a nostalgia room featuring candy associated with several different decades.
Customers can find handmade chocolates, dipped fruit, cotton candy, classic sweets, sodas, floats and ice cream. Portions of the candy-making operation are located on the building’s upper level, allowing visitors to see some products being made.
Cornerstone Candy’s stated mission extends beyond selling sweets. The business hopes to create a welcoming and nostalgic destination for families while attracting more visitors and activity to downtown Clarksburg.
The early response suggests families have embraced that vision.
For Cornerstone Candy, the excitement surrounding the opening has also provided an answer to those who questioned whether a candy store could work in downtown Clarksburg.
“It’s for the kids.”
Cornerstone Candy is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The store is closed Sunday and Monday, although the business has indicated that its hours could change.
