THE OWNER of Scrumptious Sweets in Keynsham is set to leave the business – but says she is confident of finding someone to take it over.
Pam Garrie, who has run the popular shop in the High Street for five years, has decided not to renew the lease in October.
She said: “I’ll be gutted. We’re busy, but it’s just that another five years is a huge commitment.”
However, a number of people have expressed an interest in taking over the premises.
There are three or four possibilities, she said, all of which would involve retaining a sweet shop but would also “bring something extra to the High Street.”
Pam said: “We’ve had quite a lot of interest so I’m quite confident of finding someone to take over.”
The shop sells traditional sweets, as well as freeze-dried sweets, sugar-free sweets and chocolates. The Grade II listed building was originally a pub and was previously a Mencap charity shop.
Although Pam has a full-time job in business development, sales and marketing, she hopes to keep the shop open until a successor can take over, avoiding any temporary closure.
Pam said she has been touched by the “lovely comments from customers” since news of her departure was announced.
She has seen her youngest customers grow up from when they were “below the counter”, while her oldest customer, aged 98, visits each week on his mobility scooter for his mint imperials and toffees.
“He taps on the windows and we take the sweets out to him,” Pam said.
Anyone else who is interested in taking over the business is asked to email Pam at info@scrumptioussweets.co.uk
Hopes high of Keynsham sweet shop takeover
