Aug. 7, 2024

A growing section of a Sioux Falls business offers culture in the form of snacks, soda and candy.

Eastside Emporium at 4721 E. 26th St., east of Sycamore Avenue, opened in February in a former Kum & Go.

This is the second location for the business, which began with Westside Glass Emporium at 945 S. Marion Road.

The store primarily sells vape and tobacco-related products, unique collectibles and gifts but added a section of exotic snacks for all ages at the new location.

“We’re a big fan of exotic candy, chips and drinks, and there is a big niche fan base for these things,” store manager Levi Hansen said. “People are interested in different flavors that are offered to us on a daily basis.”

The store features chips, gummies and chocolates imported from countries throughout Europe and Asia.

“Our chip wall is cool to look at,” he said. “Our candy is all eye-popping and comes from Japan and nearby countries.”

Comparing the ingredients in the United States with other parts of the world, customers are drawn to products without harmful dyes and preservatives, Hansen said.

“Even though it is considered ‘junk food,’ it is in some ways a healthier product,” he said of the imports.

Eastside Emporium also offers specialty or THC drinks and products that are harder to find, he added. The location soon will add beer to its offerings too.

Hansen said that with word of mouth, visibility around the neighborhood and social media, the store has seen an influx of customers.

“People come in every week and just love to see what’s new,” he said. “We’ve been able to watch how the city has embraced it.”

Eastside Emporium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Keep up with the offerings on its Facebook page: Sioux Falls Exotic Soda and Candy.