Oversized stuffed animals wearing festive Valentine's Day bows sat atop shelves of boxed chocolates at Sarris Candies. A counter nearby is lined with chocolate bars. Stacks of chocolate-covered pretzels are arranged in another corner of the Canonsburg retail hot spot.

But owner Bill Sarris held his hand out and beckoned to the whole lot of it, saying, "All of this—it has to go."

And that's what workers were doing Monday at the store: Cleaning chandeliers and cleaning up after a fire erupted in the parlour portion of the building on Friday—and throwing away pounds and pounds of chocolate and other merchandise.

A sign is posted on the door alerting customers that the store in still closed by order of the state fire marshal, and the smell of smoke still lingered in the building.

But Sarris said not to worry: Production of chocolate for the Valentine's and Easter holidays is ongoing, and people will still be able to buy their favorite chocolate confections.

Just not at the Canonsburg store—at least for a while.

Candy is sold at several local stores including the Verona Giant Eagle, Rite Aid in Oakmont and Plum, Joanne's Hallmark in Plum and Shop 'n Save in Plum. Plum and Riverview school district students also sell the candy for fundraisers.

Sarris said he expects to reopen the business within the month, or as he said, "ASAP."

And while the outpouring from the community has been humbling, Sarris said the only thing people can do to help is be patient.

"All they can do is wait and let us do our thing," he said.