Something sweet has come to York – as a new digital sweet shop has opened on Coney Street.
At Sugarize, customers can create their own pick and mix using touchscreens and then watch it being made in front of them.
The brand’s first shop is now open at 12A Coney Street. It was previously the Jessops camera shop, and had been empty since the end of 2020.
YorkMix spoke with owner Frank Dillon to find out more.
“The concept is to customise and build products in a fun way on screens,” said Frank. “You can build your pick and mix, checkout, and then it gets made for you.
“Whether you’re an adult or a child – you can remember the fun of pick and mixing.
“It’s totally unique.”
The transformation process to turn the empty building into Sugarize took “longer than expected.
“Everything was completely thrown out – it looked like a complete shell.”
The shop already has plans to introduce cooler products like slushies and ice cream, with the same build-your-own concept.
There will also be an opportunity in the future to create gift options with personalised messages on the pick and mix cup.
And Frank hopes to expand the brand to other locations in the UK and across Europe, particularly in shopping malls.
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Frank, who lives in York, has years in the sweet business and is one of the co-founders of the highly successful business Candy Hero, the Bradford based importer, distributor and retailer of American and other confectionery.
Frank is also a software developer and has designed and built the touchscreen system. It is easy to use, and the ordering process has filters for dietary requirements and allergies.
The sweet selection will take you on a nostalgia trip with childhood favourites like jellybeans, Drumsticks, cola bottles, fried eggs, rhubarb and custards, brains, refreshers, and much more.
The touchscreens also allow the pick and mix process to be “fresh and hygienic.”
“The thought of pick and mixes is often little compartments that everyone puts their hands into – so we’re trying to change people’s minds.”
The minimum spend for the pick and mix is £1, and the pricing works out at £2 per 100 grams.
There will also be a loyalty card scheme to be developed, where you can be recommended products based on the flavours and sweets you like.
“People might have forgotten how fun it is to spend a relatively small amount of money to get a lot of different tastes and textures and products in one go.”
Sugarize will be open every day, from 11am to 5pm on Sunday to Friday, and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays.
The brand has a website and Instagram page coming soon – keep an eye out for updates.
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