Critchley's Candies

- 812 Kinderkamack Rd, River Edge, NJ 07661

Critchley's Candies has been a beloved fixture in Bergen County, New Jersey, for decades, offering a sweet escape that combines old-fashioned charm with high-quality, handcrafted confections. Operating since 1957, this River Edge gem is more than just a candy store; it’s an institution that taps into the nostalgia of classic sweets while constantly delighting customers with new and trending treats. For locals throughout North Jersey and beyond, Critchley’s is the go-to destination for rich, smooth chocolate, unique gifts, and a shopping experience marked by genuine, heartwarming hospitality.

Walking into Critchley’s Candies is an immediate step back in time. The store's unique architectural elements, including an arch that marks the former location of an altar from its previous life as the Grace Lutheran Church, contribute to a visually inviting and historic ambiance. This antique-style setting, combined with beautifully arranged displays and festive seasonal décor, creates a whimsical wonderland that makes every quick visit feel special and memorable. It’s this combination of history, ambiance, and dedication to quality that has secured Critchley's place in the heart of the New Jersey community. The dedication to maintaining traditional candy-making techniques, using only the finest ingredients, ensures that whether you are purchasing a classic truffle or a newer item, the quality is consistently superb—a stark contrast to mass-produced supermarket alternatives.

Location and Accessibility: A River Edge Landmark

Critchley's Candies is conveniently located in the borough of River Edge, NJ, at 812 Kinderkamack Road. This location on a well-traveled street makes it an accessible destination for residents and visitors throughout Bergen County and surrounding areas. The store is situated on the hill at the convergence of Kinderkamack Road and Lincoln Avenue.

The store is a small business that prioritizes making a visit stress-free for its customers. Accessibility is enhanced by the availability of free parking. While the address is on Kinderkamack Road, users should be aware that to access the designated parking lot, which is shared with a downstairs dojo, they should navigate to the lot by going up River Edge Road. A right turn can be made at the beige brick wall at the top of the hill, often requiring a brief wait at the stoplight in front of the store before turning right into the parking area. For those who prefer, street parking is also an option on nearby roads. This location and accessibility make it perfect for a planned visit or a quick, delightful stop on a busy day.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff, including the welcoming owner, Rossana, and pleasant cashier, Violet, are consistently praised for providing a personal level of service. They greet customers like longtime friends, ready to assist you in finding the perfect treat or a thoughtful gift, further enhancing the welcoming, community-focused atmosphere of this local treasure.

Services Offered

Critchley's Candies offers a variety of services designed to provide convenience and a personalized shopping experience for New Jersey customers, whether for a small indulgence or a special occasion gift.

• Small business personal service, ensuring every customer is treated with care.
• Custom Gift Baskets and Arrangements for holidays and special occasions, allowing for personalized selections of chocolates and candies.
• Extensive selection of seasonal specialties that change throughout the year for holidays like Easter, Valentine's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• In-store shopping in a charming, nostalgic atmosphere.
• Quick visit planning option for customers on the go.
• Payment flexibility, accepting Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Custom gift bag requests filled with assorted chocolates and candies.

Features and Highlights: What Makes Critchley's Unique

Critchley's Candies is renowned throughout New Jersey not just for its products, but for the unique blend of history and hospitality it offers. These features set it apart from typical candy retailers and make it a destination for sweet lovers.

• High-Quality, Handcrafted Chocolates: The store is known for its rich, smooth, and decadent chocolate, which is made using traditional candy-making techniques and the finest ingredients, a noticeable step above standard mass-produced options.
• Signature Trademarked Treat: Critchley’s is the home of the famous and trademarked Mint Oritani, an after-dinner mint that has been a popular treat since the original owners were in place, embodying the shop's long-standing tradition.
• Historic and Nostalgic Setting: The shop occupies a former Grace Lutheran Church (converted in 1957), retaining architectural elements like a decorative arch where the original altar once stood, giving the store a distinct, historic, and wonderfully nostalgic feel.
• Homemade Specialties: The shop features an in-house line of homemade chocolates, including chocolate-covered bark, marshmallows, and Oreos, all made fresh daily and often decorated by hand, showcasing true artisan quality.
• Extensive Menu Variety: In addition to gourmet chocolates, the selection includes a wide range of nostalgic candy favorites, "penny" candies, jelly beans, licorice, gummi bears, and modern trending items like the popular Dubai Bars (sometimes with a Nutella twist) and hot cocoa bombs.
• Seasonal Bestsellers: The chocolate-covered strawberries are consistently cited as a top seller and are a major draw, especially around holidays like Valentine's Day. The store is also exceptionally busy around Easter, which is its busiest season.
• Exceptional Customer Experience: The warm hospitality from the owner, Rossana, and the staff, who are described as greeting visitors like longtime friends, makes the entire shopping experience delightful and memorable.
• Commitment to Tradition: Over the decades and changes in ownership, the store has faithfully kept the traditional chocolate recipes while embracing new delicacies to appeal to all generations.
• Family and Community Focus: The shop often participates in and hosts small community events, such as a Santa Claus visit during the Christmas season, making it a true community favorite.

Contact Information

For those in the New Jersey area ready to explore this classic candy store, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: 812 Kinderkamack Rd, River Edge, NJ 07661, USA
• Phone: (201) 967-1800

What is Worth Choosing: A Local’s Guide to the Sweetest Treats

For anyone in New Jersey seeking a perfect treat or gift, Critchley's Candies offers a compelling combination of quality, variety, and unique atmosphere. The selection is incredibly diverse, catering to every sweet craving, whether you are a devoted chocolate connoisseur or someone in search of a fun, nostalgic sugar rush. The pricing is considered great for the high quality of the handmade chocolates, making it a worthwhile choice over pre-packaged grocery store brands.

If you only pick a few items, the absolute must-try selections include the homemade chocolate-covered strawberries, frequently cited as the store’s best seller, and the historically famous, original Mint Oritani. For a classic favorite, the creamy truffles and decadent chocolate bars are a true indulgence. During the fall and winter months, the seasonal treats, from whimsical holiday molds like Easter bunnies to the currently popular hot cocoa bombs, are especially recommended and guaranteed to bring a smile. The staff's willingness to create custom gift bags and baskets for holidays and special occasions—or even just an impromptu treat—solidifies Critchley's as the one-stop shop for all your confectionery needs. It’s a perfect destination for families, an easy choice for gifts, or simply a quick stop to satisfy your own sophisticated sweet tooth.

Ultimately, what truly makes Critchley’s Candies worth choosing is the entire experience. It’s the delicious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, the charming antique-style setting, and the friendly, personalized service that makes every visit feel less like a transaction and more like catching up with old friends. It’s a classic, nostalgic New Jersey confectionery that has proudly maintained its traditions and quality for over 65 years, making it an essential local business to support and enjoy.

Critchley's Candies

812 Kinderkamack Rd, River Edge, NJ 07661, USA