Dunstable family, independent businesses: Sweeeeeetz

I am pleased to bring businesses on the Mayfield parade of shops on Downside to this column.

Sweeeeeetz is a community orientated sweet shop stocking around 250 different, weigh-out, pick and mix sweets and a large selection of American candy and drinks.

Opened in 2021 shortly after Covid, the shop employs predominantly young people from the local estate.

Owner Andrew traces the shop’s development, ”While the shop sells sweets, it now has an online presence - TikTok shop UK, Amazon and on our own website.

“We offer equipment for hire - ice cream and slush machines, candy floss, popcorn and churros makers, and more. Recent events, new products and gift ideas are found on our social media feeds, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok - on our account Sweeeeeetz shop”

The business has undertaken countless corporate events, weddings, birthdays, school fetes and even two funerals!

Looking to the future, Andrew has commented that retail, at the best of times, is difficult. To get people through the door, one must offer a unique experience, products that people want, rather than need. The move to online shopping has changed the way we shop.

”It is probably fair to say that the High Street has always been in a state of flux; the future is no different. Personally I would like to see more ‘boutique’ style and ‘destination’ shops, more variety in the town centre. We need more late night activity; bars, clubs or music venues. Life now seems a little quieter at night post Covid.”