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Necco, producer of Sweethearts, faces closure, prompting panic buying

Amidst the news of the potential closing, people began to panic – well, panic-buy, at least.

All great things must come to an end.

Michael McGee, CEO of Necco, an American candy company that produces classic sweets such as Sweethearts, Mary Janes, Clark bars, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Canada Mints and Necco Wafers, announced that if the firm does not find a buyer soon, it will be shutting down, the Boston Globe reported.

Amidst the news of the potential closing, people began to panic – well, panic-buy, at least.

Worst: Necco wafers |The gateway candy to eating chalk. (Photo: The Republic)

Necco sales spiked over 50 percent in March, which is when the announcement of the potential closing was made, according to candystore.com.

The bulk candy website even said that a woman contacted them offering her used Honda Accord in exchange for all of their Necco Wafers.

David Sklena, owner of Doc's Sweets' Candy Company in Clawson, said he and his customers were shocked and upset when they heard the news of Necco's closing.

"Necco is an old brand. It's a staple and I thought it would be around forever," he said.

Sklena said his candy shop has already seen some panic-buyers and is prepared for more.

"We have stocked up in preparation for the closing, but are hoping someone buys them out," Sklena said. "Hopefully, this is something like the Twinkie situation where they disappear for a little, but come back on the market."

In Michigan, the loss of Sweethearts, colorful conversation hearts, would be especially painful, according to candystore.com. The site found that the Sweethearts are the state's favorite Valentine's Day candy, according to sales data.

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