At least, such is the expectation of Kambria Harris and Stephany Heckman, the twenty-somethings opening The Mad Popper at Homestead Market shopping center today.

Respectively a former school administrator and former mechanical engineer with entrepreneurial inclinations, Harris and Heckman formed Mad Popper LLC in April. Their shop will be selling the old familiar simply buttered and with flavorings such as cheddar, caramel, barbecue, sweet tea, pizza, Cajun, jalapeno, strawberry, vanilla -- and more.

Opening Day promotions include a free bag of Mad Popper blend (butter, caramel and cheddar) with any purchase, free coupons, discounts on party tins (normally $44 each) and chances to win a three-month membership in a popcorn-of-the-month club.

Free samples, too.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. Homestead Market is on the south side of N.C. 54, just west of the Fayetteville Road intersection. (Southpoint part of town.)

Closed books

Sorry to report, Aviel and Shawna Alkon are closing down their BookDabbler shop in Loehmann's Plaza.

"We're just not making it here," Aviel said this week.

The Alkons came to Durham from Boca Raton, Fla., and opened their store in October 2006. At first it carried used books, greeting cards and gift items, and later expanded to sell a few new titles and local artwork while offering readings, game nights and a weekly story time for children.

Closing day is May 24, and until then the store offers all used hardbacks for $3, used paperbacks for $2 and greeting cards for half price. Gift items are discounted 25 percent or more, and the bookcases, furniture and knickknacks are for sale, too: see www.bookdabbler.com/fix.asp.

The store is closing, but "We're staying right here," said Aviel, who has spent his mornings as a computer programmer.

"Now I'm going to do it in the afternoon, too," he said.