The new owners have breathed new life in this classic shop. Don't let bad reviews from previous years cause you to miss this gem!

Now under new ownership! Abe's in Lincoln, Illinois has the best cheese corn and caramel corn in central Illinois, maybe all of Illinois! Mike and Aniston have curated such a nice, clean store with all the best items for gift giving or to treat yourself. Some of my favorites are the Milkhouse Candles, the Door Co. Coffee and the caramel corn! Be sure to stop here! read more

There is a new owner and they were perfectly lovely to me and my children yesterday. We felt welcomed and had a wonderful time!

Me and my family went to Abe's and I had the time of my life! It was like Jellycat Heaven! The staff were so friendly and welcoming. My parents went here when they were little. Popcorn is AMAZING BTW! I would 100% go here again! Super good vibe! read more

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Many unique gift ideas, something for everyone. From candy, beautiful dishes, kitchen gadgets and also popcorn!

Went today based on a bad FB review. Shop keepers were helping and friendly! Someone on the internet got insulted because they were asked to leave after their child was behaving badly and the parents did not stop the bad behavior. Because of this bad post, "mob mentality" and keyboard warriors, I specifically went to this store and spent my hard earned money. The shop was nice and clean. Will definitely be back!! read more

I have always had a good experience when I have been in this store. They have a great selection of gifts and treats. I understand that others may have a different experience, but I have to wonder if all of the people posting negative comments have actually been in this store. Are we now to believe that Abe's has been inundated with customers from California, and they all had one star experiences? Looking forward to picking up treats this weekend. Support local businesses. read more

This place is an absolute dream for a child or even a child at heart. Unfortunately, the staff and owners are VERY unwelcoming, rude and racist. I was escorted out because I picked up candy to look at??? I have absolutely no idea how or why this place is still in business. I would love to see this business bought out and ran correctly. It has the potential to be a wonderful place for children. read more

Had an afternoon planned with two girlfriends today to head to Lincoln for some shopping. We new our first destination would be to Abe's Carmelcorn. After that we were just going to play it by ear. I had never been to Abe's before. My friends had been telling me about it and were excited I was able to spend the day shopping with them today. I have medical issues that I am not able to do some things on some days. I have the assistance of a service dog. When we go to places that are not familiar with me and my service dog, I make sure she is wearing her vest that identifies her as being a service dog. Legally she does not have to be wearing a vest. Sometimes I have a bandana on her. Sometimes she is not vested. The American Disabilities Act is very specific in how business may address a service dog and it's handler. They are allowed to ask two questions. 1. Is it a service animal and 2. What task does it perform to mitigate your disability. That is it. No more. There is no certification or paperwork to prove to anyone a handlers need for a service animal. Upon entering, the three of us ladies and my dog were approached by a lady running to the door where we had just entered. She said "we do not allow any dog in our store". My friend said "she is a service dog."The lady quickly said "it makes no difference, we do not allow dogs in here. We serve food". I politely spoke up and said she is a medical alert dog and she goes where I go. Including the hospital." She then told me I needed to leave. By that time I had seen some things I had wanted to purchase for my granddaughter. The lady walked away. Then another lady, (who later identified herself as the owner) Ran to where my friend and I were standing and said "you need to leave!" My friend spoke up and explained that my dog is a service dog. The Second Lady became upset saying she did not need to know the laws and she was within her right to ask me to leave. One of my friends told her that if I left with my dog at her request, there could be some repercussions to her store. The lady told my friend that she didn't "tell her that she had to leave". So at this point, unbeknownst to me and my other friend, the owner and my friend were having a disagreement on whether or not the owner told me to leave. She recanted and told my friend that she did NOT tell me to leave. The owner came over to "chat me up" telling me how many years they have had that store and asked about my dog and wanting to talk. I wanted to get my things purchased and get out of there. When I checked out with my nearly $200 purchase I handed the owner a card with the ADA rules on service dogs. I advised her that my dog is a medical alert dog and she goes everywhere with me including the hospital, dentist, and even pre op and post op surgery. She said they have had people try to bring their pets in and the health department would come down hard on them if a dog is in their store. I explained to her that I understood that problem but my dog is a medical device and I explained that she would have Department of Justice coming down hard on her if she refuses service dogs. She didn't appear to be interested in knowing my rights as a handler. As a business owner, she should know the laws. But they both appeared to us that they had this family business and they were not held to any rights of disabled patrons. My friends were very upset after this interaction with the store. Usually my husband is with me and handles any conflict which there has only been one other and it was quickly resolved. Driving home after shopping at other stores we talked about our day. I think the thing that upset us the most is that at no point in time did either lady apologize to me or my friends for the stress that was caused me and my friends. We had set out to have an enjoyable afternoon shopping and left the store nearly in tears. I hope that my education in the matter will make it less difficult for any other service dog teams that may want to shop in the store. I would have liked to shop a little longer. read more

Have been going to this store for quite a few years. The shop is beautiful and we have found many great gifts there. However, the owners have the worst attitudes. Today my wife was in looking at Jellycat animals for Christmas gifts, one of the owners sat in front of the door, as if she were going to steal. The continued to talk all high and mighty of their greatness and how this world has become full of issues. When I called to speak to the owner, she made excuses that "we do not understand what store owners have to go through..." which I completely agree with. But with no attempt at an apology, she stated, "there are plenty of stores to purchase items, you can simply go to one of them instead." Amazes me how a local business can treat customers like such. We make the trip to the store 3-4 a year minimum. From now on we will find another local business to purchase the same items. read more

According to their website, they are open on Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., so we decided to go there a couple of weeks ago which is a 100 mile round trip only to find that they were closed on Sunday. We just went back there today on a Wednesday, and after spending $113 on overpriced popcorn, I mentioned to them that their website was incorrect. We were told by the older owner lady that they had stopped being open on Sundays back in January 2023. When I suggested that they update their website, she got rudely belligerent and said that they only keep their Facebook page updated. Since I did not want anyone else making a long trip on a Sunday for nothing, suggested that they should also correct their website, and she said that it was Google's fault (huh?). She then became overly nasty, so we just left. Not a good way to treat a paying customer. We will never to return. With all that said it is a great place to get $3.00 bag of popcorn for $10.00. Here is the address of their website that has the incorrect Sunday hours posted. http://abesinc.com/ read more

The clerks were so kind, welcoming, and helpful. We had a blast shopping here today. Whenever we drive up from Florida, Abe's is a must!

I wish I could give 0 stars. Do not waste your money here, the staff are incredibly rude and persecutory for no reason. They should learn how to interact with customers appropriately and/or need to change ownership. read more

My spouse and I drove 2.5 hours, with our five-year-old twins to come to this shop; I am also 36 weeks pregnant. We were coming to this shop to come pick out a new JellyCat for our new addition coming so soon. We followed their shop hours on their website in addition to their facebook - Saturday's 9am - 3pm. We were extremely disappointed to find, upon arrival, a sign taped in the window: "Closing early. Family reunion. See you Monday". While we were understanding of the family reunion, this message could've easily been added to their facebook to keep customers traveling far informed. We were so excited to explore this shop, only to be extremely disappointed. read more

The staff is rude. I think they need some training on how to run a business and how to treat their customers because the way they are doing it is not it. if you don't like kids then don't sell children items. read more

will never grace their door again! A group of us (adults) went to the shop two weeks ago and spent a lot of money. The owners were odd and I was uncomfortable. . My friend returned with her grandchildren this past week , after driving an hour and telling them how beautiful their stuffed animals were. As they walked into the shop, the owner spoke so unkindly to the children, who were well behaved, that my friend became very upset. The owners then continued their beratement and expressing how frustrating children are. These people should not own a shop that devotes half of their merchandise to stuffed animals and candy. Don't worry, Owners, you won't get another dollar from me! read more

My 4 grandchildren and I visited Abe"s Carmelcorn in Llincoln , Il. I would like to give the shop a big zero! My husband and I had shopped at Abe's many times. I was so excited about sharing the experience with the children, I had told them about all the cuddly stuffed animals. The guard (owner) at the door greeted us with a lecture about not touching the stuffed animals, because they are expensive. I said that they are not all expensive and I had seen some ones for $16.95. This set off a wind storm. The lady(owner) at the corner came running over Pointed her finger at us and told us to get out !!!!! I should have left then , but we stayed. The owners followed us all over the store. They made us feel so uncomfortable. 1 of my 4 grandchildren was having difficulty picking out an animal. The owner told him that he had one minute left! When we were walking out of the shop, the owner said, "good luck with the children" I was so upset. What a terrible thing to say, the children had been so good in the shop. When we left the shop , I told the children that this was a good lesson in kindness, and how not to behave. We will never go back to Abe's Carmelcorn again. read more

KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE FROM THE OWNERS, DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN! The Owners, who were sitting in the back during our near 40 minutes as the only customers in the store, decided to come out as we neared check out buying our sons JellyCat Toys Stuffed Animals. We were met only with aggression, hostility, and discrimination. Mind you, the Jellycat Toys product which is just a stuffed animal (so geared towards children) takes around 60% of their store's footprint if not more. My oldest, a 2 year old, was extremely excited to pick out a new one and we shared that sentiment until our visit. As soon as we walked in the associate working was hovering over us, treating us as if we were going to shoplift. My son did not take anything from the shelves unless we were next to him, save one instance when he touched a wooden bowl. The associate continuously barked orders and once the owners came out they told MY 2 year old to get into the stroller. They will attempt to control your children even if they are behaving in a fitting manner. When I decided to tell the owner I did not want to continue my business there he escalated his aggression kicking me out of the store and telling me I don't understand rules because I'm "young and grew up without parameters." Once I informed him I had grown up with parameters all my life going through private school and being in Law Enforcement for a time, he decided to verbally attack me further on the sidewalk in front of the store saying "oh your bringing up law enforcement is bullshit why aren't you a cop any more, huh, that not work out well for you." It was an unnecessary attack and frankly the reason I am not any longer in this profession is because I was given an opportunity that gave me over twice as much pay that kept me from dealing with the craziness and hostility that this person was currently threatening me with. Its appalling that this store is still in business, especially after seeing review after review reflecting the same experience we had. I only wish I had read them before so as to avoid these despicable people. Unfortunately, we purchased what we went for and gave them business because we ARE good parents despite what the owners want to tell us they think and we chose not to disappoint our sons due to their actions. Even if you do not have children, please do not support this discriminatory business, they do not deserve to continue to operate. read more

It's a very nice store. The staff goes above and beyond and are super friendly. It has a cozy, family friendly atmosphere. They have a nice assortment of candy and popcorn. Also, they have specialty items you may not be able to get elsewhere. read more

If I could I could give this store 0 Stars I would. My best friend and I went in there just to see how they really do treat their customers...we walked in...In front of us was a couple who was looking at the pottery when we first walked in...the customer put her basket away cause she said she didn't need a basket and the lady owner came swooshing by with a basket forcing the lady to take a basket...she declined and said no thank u I don't need one ....the owner made her. Then we were walking around and one young lady was nice and super friendly and was telling us what's popular....my best friend took interest in the tea bags and the same crazy basket lady came rushing to give my friend a basket ...my best friend was like I really don't need a basket for 2 Tea bags and the crazy basket lady was like yes u do to shop here....as we were walking a gentlemen who later gave me his name as Lance said that we needed to go...we were already going already but it's a good thing I didn't bring my kids bc if they treated my kids like the way we were treated I probably would have went to jail....WE NEED TO BOYCOTT THIS COMPANY AND HAVE A PROTEST!!!! read more

I've been a customer at Abe's in Peoria and Lincoln for many years. Always have loved finding great products in their shop. Since the Peoria shop was closed down several years ago, I made the hour long drive to Lincoln to come buy some Illinois made pottery that I have been collecting for years. One staff person saw me looking and insisted I take a basket to put items in. Even though I told her I collect and love these products, she overwhelmingly hung over my shoulder and rattled off every detail about each piece. I politely said, " I have been very familiar for years, but thank you. " She continued. I made my selections and put the shopping basket back. As someone who has a psychical disability, it was much easier for me to hold the products carefully than to place in a basket where they would slide around and possibly crash into each other. I walked a few steps away from the shopping baskets to look at some larger pottery pieces that I came to buy. As I turned away from the shopping baskets, I was then confronted by an old woman shouting at me to put the pottery in the shopping basket. Humiliated in front of the rest of the shoppers, I said "I do not need a basket, I'm almost done. " The woman continued to shout at me in the most condescending way saying I'm not allowed to shop if I don't put the pottery in the basket. She continued by saying "Everyone needs to use a basket!! If you don't put them in the basket, then I will put them behind the register for you!" I agreed to let her. She grabbed them out of my hands and walked them up to the counter WITHOUT a shopping basket!!!! I was immediately ready to exit that shop. After I paid and left the shop, many other customers outside said they'll never be back again after seeing how I was treated and that the online reviews weren't lying. I noticed shop has taken the reviews option off their Facebook page. I see this has been a major issue for most all of their customers. Makes me sad because it's a shop I used to love going to and have spent a lot of my money at. You can't accuse your customers and expect them to want to come back. Sorry Abe's, I won't be making that trip anymore. read more

This place makes you feel so uncomfortable, they treated my friends and I like we were untrustworthy. I don't think we looked like trouble but gosh the looks, they way they spoke to us and followed us around sure made me feel unwelcome!!! Definitely won't go back! I mean for goodness sakes I am 48 years old and I have never been in any legal trouble but were treated like criminals!! read more

The business owner escorted us out of the store for commenting on their basket policy. She also would not allow us to handle any of the merchandise without her assistance. read more

Not very kid friendly and the lady who runs it has no problem making you feel bad if you do bring a kid in Terrible customer service read more

Absolutely shocked at the owner's behavior. Took kids into the store and they were not allowed to touch the toys or pick up the candy themselves. Why even have these things for kids if you're going to act like kids aren't allowed in the store?? Then the owner's wife said they can kick anyone out they want to and they don't need our money. What kind of person acts like that? I had a similar experience last time I visited the store but I was hoping the owners were just having an off day. After the experience today and now seeing all the other terrible reviews I see that's just how they are. So rude and disrespectful. I usually spend $200 a visit buying gifts. I'll buy elsewhere. They won't care though since they "Don't need my money". Save yourself and your children the stress and don't go here. My kids were so excited to go and we all left feeling terrible. Such a sad experience. If you can't be nice to customers maybe it's time to do something else with your life. read more

I have been here multiple times and have never been disappointed. The owners are wonderful, very friendly and helpful. Even if this was a big town store the product options would be fantastic with ever changing inventory. Feels like home so stop by you won't be sorry. read more

Abe's offers a great variety of gifts, specialty foods and home decor as well as their famous Carmelcorn. Helen always greets you with a warm smile. read more

This place is amazing. Awesome finds, Mud Pie, amazing candles, old time candy, goose poop! Everything you could ask for. Not to mention amazingly friendly staff. read more

Love supporting local but the lady who owns this place is very RUDE! I popped in there today after having an amazing lunch at Idle Hour. I love this store and visiting it often. During my many visits, I found these dark chocolate amaretto covered pecans that are amazing! Since I was in Lincoln, I decided to pop in and pick up a couple bags. I knew exactly where they were located so I grabbed them and headed to the checkout. While at the checkout, the lady behind he counter asked if I'd be interested in any of the candy they had on sale. I literally stepped two steps away to the left of the cash register to glance at what she was referencing. It was nothing I was interested in but before I could step back in front of the register to pay for my items, the owner tried handing me a basket. I told her I didn't need a basket but thanked her. She said it again, LOUDER! I told her I was done shopping and she said "those can break" referring the the chocolate coved pecans I had in my hand. I took two steps to the right so I was positioned AGAIN in front of the register and she said louder "we require EVERYONE to have a basket!". I told her again, no thank you, I am checking out! I was mortified and embarrassed!! I felt like I was two years old!! Her son on the otherhand, went out of his way to ask me how I was doing, where I was visiting from and thanked me for stopping by. My heart was pounding when I left there. I've never been so humiliated while patronizing a business. I understand accidents happen and she's trying to prevent inventory loss but I was at the register!!!! It's really sad because I love this store and all the employees I have ever encountered there have been so helpful and pleasant. But this encounter with the owner may keep me from ever patronizing there again. No one should make another person feel belittled especially when spending your money at their business :( read more

So many options! You won't walk out without buying something! Easily the one of the best shoppes in Lincoln. Would give it 5 stars but the employees have been very rude on multiple occasions. If you can get past that, Abe's is golden! read more

I've been a member of the Lincoln community my whole life. When I was a kid I would love going to Abe's to get candy. I've purchased gifts there many times. Today I decided I will never give them my patronage again. The people who own Abe's are rude and mean spirited. They are so uptight in there that DARE you breathe wrong on one of their overpriced wooden bowls or jelly's and they'll be breathing down your neck in 2 seconds. I took my nephew downtown recently to look at all the shops. We went to Abe's of course...seeing as it is a candy store at heart, one would think kids would be a friendly addition to the atmosphere. I left embarrassed because as my nephew was playing with an item (I was right next to him watching like a hawk) the owner lady came over and took every item out of his hands and loudly told me he couldn't play with those anymore. These weren't even items that one would consider not suitable for children. I left feeling very bad about myself. I have witnessed the owners SCREAM at people who cross them. I'm not kidding. They SCREAMED at these people. Multiple times I've seen this! There's a strange and uptight vibe in this store. If you have kids, DONT TAKE THEM! They are obviously not welcome! If they offer online shopping then do that. Otherwise I would steer clear of the angry and incredibly uptight people who own Abe's. read more

This little shop is definitely worth checking out! Staff is SO friendly and they have tons of cool items. You can purchase m&ms by the color here as well. A little pricey but that's expected of small home town shoppes. read more

Not the Abe's we all grew up with. Very small candy selection, more focus on the gifts. They are not kid friendly!!! Very rude!!!

I have shopped here many times and continue to go back. I am a frequent flyer in and out of town and will be there next month. I love the people so I help them with there Public Relations and Tourism for the town and they know me personally which makes the shopping experience that much more personal. They offer lots of neat handmade tea sets and they have awesome carmel corn. They also offer novelty candies baking ingredients and they also have fountain drinks if you just need a drink but they are what makes my trip worthwhile. I will continue to help them by doing advertising and as a consumer of the shop that is a very friendly atmosphere dont be afraind to stop in and browse they are very helpful if they dont have what you are looking for they can order it as well if they dont have it in the store you should also check out there website enjoy folks. read more