Sensing a void in Oak Park for the sweet-tooth contingency, two local sisters decided to fill the emptiness, with candy.

Earlier this week, Traci Weathers and Pamela Walls opened Sweet P's, a candy store and dessert boutique. It's perched at 801 N. Harlem, just north of Chicago Avenue.

The store will offer old fashioned candies like Now and Later, Sugar Daddy, and Good & Plenty.

Sweet P's also offers gourmet candies not easily found in the area. One example is Fretzels-a hand-dipped, chocolate-covered pretzel. They come dipped in a variety of toppings like toffee, mini M&Ms, and cookies 'n cream.

Walls, 44, said she hopes to expand their inventory in weeks to come to include cakes, cookies and cheesecakes. Gourmet popcorn, chocolate-covered sunflower seeds, and taffy apples will also be featured.

The owners said the sputtering economy isn't a worry to their business, because they're providing a service that isn't available in Oak Park.

"I think there's a kid in all of us," Walls said, "and adults will come in and say, 'I just have to have some candy,' and we'll be there for them."

They also say the eventual offering of healthier, low-fat candies will cater to the more health-conscious customer. They'll also include non-edible items like dessert-scented candles and greeting cards, Walls said.

The two picked Sweet P's location after Weathers, 37, had an office in the same building. They previously lived in Galewood.

The store is named after the character from Popeye and a nephew's nickname. A freelance cartoonist helped to design their retro logo.

To start, Sweet P's will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.