A candy store is a retail outlet where different candies, chocolates, truffles, and toffees are sold. Candy stores ensure that they target locations where they can easily attract children because children are the major consumers of candy.
Statistics show that chocolate is one of the world’s favorite foods and the global market is estimated to be worth £79 billion. In the UK, the sector continues to grow and is worth around £5.3 billion, and equally there’s still room for indulgence among consumers.
The report also shows that the UK is ranked fourth when it comes to the countries that consume the most chocolate, only behind Ireland (third), Germany (second), and Switzerland (first).
A candy retail store is a very easy business to start and it is not so capital intensive. Getting the right brands that people want to buy and good stock keeping records are the secrets of running a candy retail business.
In case you don’t have the capacity to start a candy store business from the scratch and you intend to start the business in the United Kingdom, then you should consider buying a successful candy franchise.
As a matter of fact, franchises are considered superior to start-ups. Entrepreneur Magazine reports that the average failure rate of new businesses in their first five years of operation is close to 65 percent. Comparatively, franchised companies experience just 3 to 11 percent annual turnover.
So, if you are interested in the candy line of business, here are some candy franchise opportunities in the UK and their cost.
4 Candy Franchise Opportunities in UK and Their Cost
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Thorntons
The first Thorntons shop was opened in Sheffield in 1911 by traveling confectioner Joseph Thornton and his son Norman, who was just 14 at the time.
They started off selling sweets and in the 1920s expanded into chocolate truffles, crystallized fondants, and toffee. As its reputation grew for selling the finest sweet treats, so did the business.
Today Thorntons’ national chain of shops sell a range of chocolate boxes, bags, and bars, as well as truffles, toffee, fudge, collection boxes, personalized chocolate gifts, and hampers. All its products can be purchased on the company’s website.
The brand claims to be Britain’s largest chocolate maker. In total, the company employs around 3,500 staff in the UK. Italian confectionery maker Ferraro acquired Thorntons in June 2015.
Thorntons has been a full member of the British Franchise Association since 1997. As a full member, the brand has proved a track record of trading, financial, and franchising success over a considerable period of time.
Financial Requirements
- Minimum Investment: £12,500
- Franchise Fees: £1,000
- Total Investment: £23,000
- Thorntons charges a £1,000 franchise fee for a five-year agreement.
- Please note that franchisees must budget an extra £20,000 for the project management of the fit-out, plus fixtures and fittings.
- Expected Revenue After 2 Years: £80,000-£250,000 per annum
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Sweets and Treats Vending
Sweets and Treats Vending is a UK-based franchise company, that specializes in retailing and promoting a variety of confectionery products (candies inclusive), primarily working with the leading international brand, Mars (Masterfoods Ltd). The brand promotes confectionery products across a wide range of markets through vending machines and stores, including schools, workplaces, leisure centers, offices, and more.
As the brand does not create or sell its own products but focuses on confectionery from leading manufacturers, franchisees do not in general need to try hard to promote the service, because customers are already familiar with the confectionery on offer.
For anyone interested in a candy retail franchise that is supported by a strong brand name, this can be a great opportunity to invest in.
Financial Requirements
Franchise fee – £9,950 (excluding VAT). This includes the cost of initial vending machines, supplies, and training.
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Candy Creations
Candy Creations Franchise is one of the UK’s leading candy companies. Candy Creations is known for creating quality sweets and buffets for private and corporate events. Candy Creations make beautiful chocolate and sweet bouquets for any occasion, including sweet cones and sweet bags.
Candy Creations has her corporate head office at Branston Court, Branston Street, Birmingham, B18 6BA.
Financial Requirements
- Minimum Investment: £6,995
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Tasty Tubs
Tasty Tubs sell a range of branded products as well as a host of 3rd party sweets including cakes, imported American candy, healthy snacks and crisps, sweets for both children and adults, and bagged sweets. These ranges mean you have a wide range of products to offer every type of retailer.
Tasty Tubs are wonderfully unique compared with bagged sweets. Whilst ensuring your sweets aren’t squashed, the tubs are also re-sealable and re-usable. The sweets are displayed in eye-catching clear plastic containers, bursting with color and excitement.
Bringing with them a highly nostalgic value, it’s certain they appeal to adults and children alike. Tasty Tubs provide both a high gross profit and cash profit margin. It is perfect for anyone considering a sweets franchise.
Financial Requirements
- The franchise set up cost is just £7,000 + VAT.