Twinkie Sales Report from Clairemont

After the Hostess Company suspended operations and closed its three San Diego County outlet stores this week, most other stores were cleared of their products by fans and those who sought to profit from the sales run on Twinkies and Ding-Dongs.

A midday search of San Diego Craigslist on Wednesday, November 21, provided 147 hits for the sale of Hostess products.

Rick, a Lakeside advertiser, sought $20 each for his variety of 38 snack products, or $350 for the entire collection, labeling them “Priced to Sell.” A call to his number went to voice mail and I didn’t leave a message.

Desi in Vista answered my call regarding her listing for cupcakes and Twinkies, for which she was asking $5 each. She also offered to trade for Disneyland Hopper tickets and mentioned, “I had more, but I couldn't resist the taste of a delicious cupcake so I ate one.” By the time I called her, six of her cupcakes and two Twinkles were already gone. I didn’t ask if they had been eaten or sold.

One seller from Riverside said he sold his cherry pies but still had chocolate pies left and some other products. He wanted to get back to me because he was driving and needed to ask his wife, but I said thanks anyway.

One interesting post advised browsers: “Don't be a dumbass hostess can be bought everywhere!!! Don't be a ---- hostess can still be purchased at regular price at gas stations and at grocery stores I know because I found a store with them today every single hostess cake I'm SERIOUS!! ---- these guys who know what they did to the packages! Hostess is STILL being sold!”

I made calls to the two nearby Clairemont Vons stores, where I was informed neither had any Twinkies or Hostess items left. The same story was told at the Balboa Avenue Albertsons.

A clerk at the Convoy Street 7-Eleven said they had chocolate Donettes and Dunkin Stix that were still selling at the regular price of $1.69, but no other Hostess items. I got no answer at the Clairemont Mesa Boulevard or Aero Drive 7-Elevens.

The cashier at the Chevron station on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and I-805 said he still had a number of Hostess products for sale and at the regular retail price.