Nicholas Davoren prepares a spice-forward dish during a cooking demonstration at the Bok Kai Festival in Marysville in March. Owners of The Spicery cited rising global import costs and unpredictable tariffs as key factors in their decision to close.

YUBA-SUTTER, CA (MPG) - The Penny Candy Store in Live Oak closed permanently on Nov. 26, ending a 50-plus-year run as a local staple for nostalgic sweets and after-school treats. Owned for the past two years by Lorrie Brummett, the decision comes after years of dwindling profitability and changing consumer habits.

Brummett said the choice was “agonizing,” noting that while she hoped to preserve cherished memories for local families, the economic reality simply wouldn’t allow it to continue.

The Penny Candy Store storefront in Live Oak is shown in 2023. The iconic candy shop closed permanently on Nov. 26, marking the end of a decades-long destination for nostalgic and classic sweets.

In Yuba County, downtown Marysville’s specialty goods store The Spicery is also set to close. Owners Nicholas Davoren and Evelyn Wood have cited rising import costs and unpredictable tariff schedules as a primary obstacle along with new rapid supplier container-fill requests.

 Their Tiburon facility will close on Dec. 29, and their Marysville shop at 228 First St. will open on a limited schedule in December — Saturday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 20. Operations at the Marysville location may continue briefly into early 2026 if significant product remains, staying open only until inventory is mostly sold.

An exterior view of The Spicery on First Street in Marysville is seen during the Bok Kai Festival in March. The store will open on a limited schedule in December ahead of its impending closure.