The two men who raided the store back in May have been sentenced to four years each. While it was disappointing that a more stern sentence wasn't handed out it is good that justice has been served and we can finally focus on moving forward.
6th July 2010
The two men being held in relation to the armed raid have pleaded guilty are are awaiting sentencing early next month.
28th June 2010
Its been a very busy month, juggling everything since the armed raid. Business is still ticking over but you would be shocked to know how much it has affected operations. Rest assured all orders are being sent out on schedule. Unfortunately other priorities have meant putting updates to the website on the back burner, but I will try to update the blog as and when I can.
3rd June 2010
Pez is now back to full stock levels. We also have SpongeBob characters now. Hello Kitty and Disney Fairies are also back.
26th May 2010
Stocks on Pez have been running a little low lately, but a fresh order is due to arrive in around a week. Previous ranges "Hello Kitty" and "Disney Fairies" will return to stock, along with a limited supply of "Spongebob". Furthermore, there will be a top up of some of the characters we have run out of such as Ben 10, Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck.
25th May 2010
Good grief, is it the 25th already? Things are falling back into place. Some of the cash taken in the armed raid has been returned and this is being used to replenish the store's stocks. Over the last few days I have started adding some new products to the online shop, and I hope to summarise these here over the next few days.
20th May 2010
At last I have started back on the site, today I have kept it simple and just added the newest Pez Dispensers... from the hit film series Toy Story. We have Woody, Rex, Slinky Dog, and a very limited number of Buzz Lightyear. There are more stocks on order due in a week or so which should mean we have full availability of every current UK dispenser. There is even another new character series coming in. How cool is that?
18th May 2010
I'm trying to get everything running but am being held back. While the police recovered all the money from the aforementioned armed raid, the cash is still sat in evidence bags at the station. I am hoping this will be returned soon. I have new suppliers on hold, and nothing is going to happen until it is returned. However I do still have copious amounts of stock to sell so don't be afraid to order. I still haven't managed to update the site with the new products but may find time to do this tonight (after dinner). If and when I do you will read about it here first.
17th May 2010
Looks like regular updates to the site will return tomorrow as things are now pretty much settled down. I have pictures of the newest products to edit and upload and will try to add few ingredient updates also.
12th May 2010
Things are starting to settle down after the armed raid. All the orders have gone out on time, but a few of the jobs have fallen behind. Thanks for the emails of support.
7th May 2010
It all seems to be happening for me at the moment. Last night at 5:30 I was victim to an armed raid at the shop. I have attached a link to one of the local papers who tell the story much better than I. I am safe, if shaken. This has delayed the orders due out yesterday - which will be sent tomorrow instead.
Massively busy bank holiday so apologies for the lack of updates on here. I still plan to get the new 'Pez's listed on here soon; but firstly I need to get the shop floor straight from a frantic weekend. Speak soon!
29th April 2010
Its been a time of catching up with the odd jobs but I hope (and expect) to do some product updates tomorrow. Look out for three new Pez characters, and well as a few other goodies.
23rd April 2010
Still very busy. But have some exciting Pez news later this week. Also a few new products to add. If only I had more hours in the day!!
22nd April 2010
Sorry for the lack of updates in the last week, everything just got busy. I'm on top of most things now so hope to be able to get web involved later today.
13th April 2010
Have added three new products today:
Super Jelly Beans: I've been asked for these super-sized jelly beans on a number of occasions. Sadly I don't have room to display these in the shop just yet so they are exclusively available on line... for now.
Chocolate Satins: I have been looking forward to these. I have to say that one of my absolute personal favourites is the liquorice satin, which is made by the same company. That said I am more a chocolate person than a liquorice one so the arrival of these has been long awaited. Another product that is not on display in our on street shop just yet. I need a bigger shop floor!
Strawberry Yoghurt Millions: This new addition to the "Millions" range is a real winner. I ran a blind taste test and 50% actually guessed the flavour spot on (although two people said "Calpol"!) For those new to Millions they are tiny chewy sweets, and are currently available in nine flavours; strawberry, cola, bubblegum, lemon, orange, blackcurrant, raspberry, mint and now strawberry yoghurt. We stock all nine flavours, does anyone else?
9th April 2010
It may be lovely and sunny today, and it is really nice to be stood outside, but it feels like a fridge in here. The air temperature is still pretty cold and without the benefit of the suns rays I am about to throw on a sweater. So what if people comment? I am a grown-up, I can deal with it.
Not a lot else to report. Just more general duties to perform today. If time permits I have eight new products to photograph, and then add to the site.
6th April 2010
Easter is over (unless you are still in full time education, in which case ask to borrow your parent's credit card and buy them lots of lovely sweeties). Plenty of things me to get on with this week but I will start by finishing my comments on the last batch of new products.
Vimto Bon Bons: One of our most popular types of sweet, the chewy bon bon, is now available in Vimto flavour. Its a slightly different chewy consistency than our other bon bons which you will love but I loathe (see I'm not just here to be a salesman, I'm an adviser. I'd rather you bought sweets you liked and then came back for more than buy sweets you don't and never returned.) For me its not a proper bon bon. I guess techically all bon bons should have a toffee centre, but agree that the alternative chewy centre is a suitable and sometimes preferable replacement. The Vimto flavour bon bon has a chewy centre but it doesn't really work for me. That said I haven't found a single person who agrees with me, yet. I'm sure you will email me either way. You guys normally do :)
Eating Paper: Some call it sugar paper others call it rice paper. Actually both terms are wrong. It contains no rice, and is sweetened artificially making it sugar-free. A more correct term would be potato paper, not that it tastes of spuds. And what would eating paper be if it wasn't printed up as money? Answer below....
Tongue Tattoos: answer from above... it could be a tongue tattoo. Sheets of eating paper with food colour tattoos that you hold against your tongue. The effect lasts a few minutes, and you can eat the paper too! The most fun sweet I have found for ages. If you are a big kid at heart you won't be disappointed, and as they are very light they shouldn't pump up the postage cost.
3rd April 2010
Hope you are all having a fun Easter weekend. And what a busy day for those with time to watch the telly; the boat race, the Grand National, and the return of Doctor Who. I don't have any tips for the National, and the boat race is a coin flip. As for Matt Smith, I say lets give him a chance to settle in the role.
Now, a few more new product reviews.
Chocolate Tools: Have you noticed that there are various types of 'milk chocolate'. There are branded products (Dairy Milk, Galaxy, Yorkie, Lindt, Supermarket Own Label and so on) that all have their own flavour, sweetness and texture. They do have one thing in common, quality. Then there is cheap chocolate such as that found in advent calendars and cheap generic Easter eggs, which is frankly not very pleasant. Finally there is the 'cheap' chocolate from which they make choccy mice, Jazzies and in this case Tools. There is a secret, and I am going to spoil it now, but don't tell. It's not chocolate! Its chocolate flavoured candy. Its like Caramac is caramel flavoured candy. Think chocolate flavoured Caramac. You would think it would be unpleasant, but its not. Far, far from it.
Chupa Bubbly: Its marketed as a candy floss that turns into bubble gum. I would describe it more as a fluffy bubble gum. For those with fond memories of Filly Folly gum this is basically the same. It's really light so is the perfect 'packing' as it shouldn't affect your postage and packing costs.
Mini Allsorts: "Awwww, aren't they cute?" is not something I hear very often (you mean so-and-sos) but that has changed now we stock this tiny variety of the liquorice allsort mix. In the shop they are currently outselling the larger variety. All the favourites are there, including the aniseed jelly 'spog'.
Update:
A quick reminder that as this weekend is Easter any orders placed on Thursday will not be posted until Saturday, due to Good Friday being a bank holiday. In addition, orders placed over the weekend won't be sent until Tuesday due to the four day weekend. Have a great time!
31st March 2010
Three more new products go under the microscope today...
Chocolate Marzipan: Firstly a quick apology about the photo on the product page... I didn't realise that there was a dirty great shadow across the product. When the next batch of pictures are taken I will refresh this one, until then it'll have to be a little shady. As for the product itself; its proper Zentis marzipan, coated in thick dark chocolate. Will you like it? Well if you like marzipan in chocolate then you will like it. This is no imitation marzipan.
Dew Drops: Now quite honestly I have resisted stocking these for three years. To me its just an oversized Jelly Tot, or an undersized Hard Gum. But I have bowed to demand. What do I know anyway? Dew drops are now one of the fastest selling new lines in the shop.
Double Dip: Not exactly a new line I know, but through an oversight hadn't been listed on the website. The funny thing is that its not a 'double' dip any more but a triple one. You still get the classic orange and cherry crystals, but also cola too. The trade marked Swizzlestick hasn't changed much over the years though.
Six more products to discuss in the next few days.
29th March 2010
Another busy weekend of wholesaler trips, and a further pallet load of stock arrived this morning. Don't think I've forgotten the blog... not the case. Now where was I? Ah, yes, the new products. Ironically there are a few more to add now, when I get five minutes :S (see, you are never too old to use an emoticon!)
On Friday I spoke about three 'new' products, but two were actually 'replacement' products in real terms. Today there are three NEWproducts. And all of these are worth a try. Not only are the all pretty much unique, but they each have their own special flavour that once hooked you never look back.
Bonfire Bangers: Lets start with my favourite of the three, and its not even my sort of sweet. It's a hard boiled toffee, not chewy, not crunchy (not until you get it down to a sliver but then aren't all boiled sweets crunchy once you do this?), but a proper sucking toffee. It has the smoky flavour that you get from the toffee on a toffee apple. So you suck it and it tastes scrummy. And then the orange sherbet starts to seep through. Yes it does sound like an odd mix, and don't ask why, but the orange really compliments the smoky toffee. I guess its like asking why pork and apple, or why turkey and cranberry. It just IS!!
Butter Tablets: Or Scottish Tablets. Or Swiss Milk Tablet. Or Athole Tablet (no seriously...) Its the really rich, brittle, crumbly, melt in the mouth fudge that you may have tried in the past. Its very quickly becoming one of the shop's better sellers. Don't miss out.
Sweet Chilli Crystals: Finally one for fans of something different. They used to make sweet chilli crystals years ago. Well now they have started again. They have a nice sweet flavour, followed by a nice warming kick. Don't like 'hot' food? Don't worry too much as neither do I; the sensation wasn't unbearable but quite pleasant, though I would want a cool drink ready if I expected to polish off a whole portion.
I'll cover a few more new products tomorrow.
25th March 2010
Nothing to report...
Okay, that would be a pretty rubbish blog now wouldn't it? Okay, let's talk about the New lines (simply click NEW from the home page). A small matter of nineteen, so I won't mumble on too much about them all, just a few highlights and then perhaps more tomorrow.
Liquorice Satins: So good they have gone straight onto the Managers Recommendations page (Home>Extras>Manager's Recommendations). I've checked out some of our competition and they clearly don't taste test. Apparently (according to one site) its a fruit flavour sweet. Fruit Flavour??? Mind you, fruit and liquorice taste exactly the same so they could be forgiven. (spot the sarcasm)
Popping Candy (Cherry, Cola and Strawberry flavours): Previously we stocked Sparx Popping Candy, which was good (one of our best sellers). It was novel in that it was colour changing, but only came in one flavour (Tooti Frootie). Given that most people don't look in the mirror with an open mouth to see the effect we decided that having a choice of flavours would be better. If there is a outcry then we may get Sparx back in as well.
Banana and Strawberry Toffees: Strictly speaking not a new line as previously we sold these in a mixed bag. However due to popular demand we have started selling these separately.
23rd March 2010
How very odd. Last week although our site was busy, we had the lowest number of hits in one week since January. Yesterday we had the highest number of hits in one day ever. Swings and spaghetti junctions...
As for today I'm carrying on with the task of adding ingredient listings to our products. There are also three new products to add at some point. Eesh, just found two more, so make that five!
21st March 2010
A landmark week with both the highest number of orders, and the highest value of orders in any one week. Our total sales were actually in excess of double our peak Christmas week, so thank you all for that. All this even though we 'suffered' a slight drop in hits this week.
Looking forward and not back, we are now set up with two new suppliers, both of which are giants in their own rights (we've been stocking some of their products already but now have access to their full ranges). We are also in negotiation with two further suppliers whose products will massively increase our range; and into confectionery sectors where we were previously weak.
As for this coming week, well I am starting to see the wood for the trees, so I am expecting to get back to the product ingredient listing project which has been pretty much on hold since Christmas. There are also still a few more new lines waiting to be added.
19th March 2010
I had an anonymous email last night. The sender asked:
"What's the point of a sweet shop if it doesn't sell easter eggs!!!".
Well, its really quite simple. The supermarkets have the Easter Egg market completely sewn up. I can of course buy Easter Eggs but the cheapest place I can get them are the major multiples (Tesco, Morrisons etc). My independent wholesaler was selling eggs at £3.50 that Sainsburys were doing 2 for £2. The supermarkets buy in such large bulk, and then loss lead; its just impossible to try to compete. So put basically, we don't. We concentrate on doing products that the supermarkets can't do, won't do, or frankly do very badly.
What was more interesting was that they didn't leave an address to reply to so I can only hope that they read this blog. Sorry friend. I'd love to make money at Easter, but it ain't happening.
18th March 2010
Our local post office re-opened this morning saving me a full half hour round trip to post the orders. I now have time for toast!
Got lots of half finished jobs on the go today, so my main aim is to finish some of them. Then, and maybe only then will I be able to see the wood for the trees.
Thank you to Anna from High Wycombe for this little chortler... and please everyone, its a joke so please, please no claims...
CONGRATULATIONS
You have won your brain's weight in sweets. To claim you tic tac simply.....
16th March 2010
So much to do, so little time. Unfortunately we've been the victim of a crime which will slow things down a little today. Nothing major, but a pain in the bottom nonetheless.
Just having a few minutes at the end of the day uploading these new products. A funny story occurred when uploading Coal Dust. How we laughed when we saw this product on one our our competitor shops described as "These sugar crystals could be either Cola or Treacle flavour, but surely not coal dust?" (If you fancy a chuckle try searching for the quote on Google... we are not making it up). They are right, it is not actual coal dust, despite the visual resemblance, but it surely isn't Cola or Treacle either. Listen up Mr Competitor, ITS LIQUORICE FLAVOUR! Talk about not going the extra mile. If that ever happens with me can someone please let me know.
13th March 2010
It's been the busiest Saturday of the year in the shop today which is always heart-warming.
I have managed to start on uploading the new products. There are 29 uploads, which include a few graphic updates. I hope to finish these over the weekend.
Finally a warm Mother's Day wish to all the lovely ladies out there. And an especially warm one to my Mum! xx
12th March 2010
Today I have 15kg of sweets to bag into 80g measures, and then there is the busy-busy-busy Friday school run (always the busiest school run of all), and then in the last hour I expect to upload some of the new goodies. But now, its back to the scales (tra-la-la).
11th March 2010
Pez is fully reloaded, all the available characters are now back in stock and shown on the website.
Today I have a few basic shop duties to run but will try to find the time to zap the images of the new products into the computer, although they are not likely to be added to the site until tomorrow at the earliest.
10th March 2010
Hurray!!! After nearly a month of editing I have finally finished stage one of the website overhaul. Its been a lot of work for very little visual reward, but essential work nonetheless. The next stages are to add all the new products that have come in since, well, before Christmas (and there are quite a few), to update a couple of the products that have changed (for example, popping candy is actually in a choice of three flavours now), and then there are ingredient listings to do for 101 products already on the site. Don't expect miracles, this will take time.
There are some bright ideas coming soon. I don't want to spoil things just yet though, there are bound to be a few spanners in the works first.
9th March 2010
My first day with a few minutes to work on the database. 57 more basic product updates to do before I can look at adding the new products. Then its back to the ingredient listings, started all those months ago and still not finished. It's something I need to do with new legislation coming in during July on certain E numbers. I'm not overly worried as with all the work that has already been done I am light years ahead of most of my competitors. A good job well done?? It will be when its finished.
On a side note, we have our second delivery from Pez due later this week. So all those Tinkerbell fans can relax... she's coming home!!
Update: 32 of 57 completed. 25 to finish tomorrow, which is definitely doable.
7th March 2010
It has been a crazy week! A good week in the shop... all except Friday for some reason. The website went bonkers... second highest number of hits in one week since we launched. Highest value in sales in one week since we launched. I really want to find a few minutes to work on the site this week... but don't begrudge the level or orders. Keep 'em coming guys. However, no sign of a new sub-postmaster at the local Post Office so its still a daily 30 minute round trip to get the parcels away. I'm sure its showing in my newly trim waistline.
2nd March 2010
Too much to do in the shop today to worry about tweaking the website. Sorry.... But I'll try to pop back later when I put the orders together. If I can get a few more pages zapped then my mind will be more at rest.
1st March 2010
A quick thank you to Emma-Louise our "Face off" winner for gracing our store yesterday. All the photos for the website have been taken, but won't appear on here for a little while yet. There is a quick teaser below though, for those who'd like a glance behind the scenes.
26th February 2010
What a busy few days! It was supposed to quieten down, but rather than that you guys have had me busy running up and down to the not-quiet-so-local Post Office. Thanks, I'm feeling a lot fitter now, though my calves are aching a little. The good news is that the local-local Post Office looks set to open again soon (well there are lights on even if no one is home - and yes I am aware of the similarity folks - all it takes is one comment like this and my inbox is full of cracks at my expense :] ).
Today its back to the website... I'm in the mood to make a huge dent in the workload. But first... coffee!
Update: School run any time soon, so I need to prepare for the rush. 39 more products updated so far, maybe more later
23rd February 2010
First things first, an essential piece of maintenance that will allow for smooth operations... happy birthday little sis :)
Now that I have given myself a fighting chance of surviving the day... Our big news! The local sub-post office closes today. When the raft of closures went round three local branches closed. This one, being on the main parade survived almost as the obvious candidate. Now the post master is retiring and the Post Office has no one ready to step in. Typical. Fortunately we are in a big town and there are other branches local; but on the assumption it may never reopen (the plan is that it will, but who would rather take over a thriving business rather than one that has closed down?) that's added over 600 miles a year to my fuel bill. Yes it is walking distance, but that's 3 hours a week with a sack of sweets on my back. No Santa jokes allowed :D
Yesterday got away from me and I never got back to the site. More prepping to do again today but there should be time later on.
Update: another 50 pages done; about 100 left to do. And then its new products!!
22nd February 2010
Been busy this weekend, including wholesaler trips etc. Stock rooms are now brimming - well for the moment. There's a lot of stock prep work to do today!
On Saturday we updated another 43 pages. That's a big bite into the 270 pages now. I'll try to do some more after 4pm today, but need to get some of these goodies bagged up and out on sale!
19th February 2010
Update: 14 more... but have some free time later so may do more. 270 is looking like a scary number.
2nd Update: Finished the day on 24. Less than 200 still to do. Bring on the morning.
18th February 2010
Nearly half past four and I'm just starting on remaining 231 product updates from yesterday. I don't think that I'm likely to make a very big dent today. When the site has been decluttered I promise there are more new products to add. And with two new suppliers coming on board this Spring there will be even more as well.
Update: 12 more done...
17th February 2010
I've added some testimonials on the about us page. Feel free to send us feedback, good or bad. We'll publish the good and learn from the bad.
Today the aim is to start on the 270 product pages that need an overhaul. I'll update later to let you know how I got on.
2pm - Only 19 done so far, but with the sun out the shop has been as busy as a Saturday. So no complaints from me.
4pm - Up to 39... and my brain wants to collapse (shhhh... please don't be tempted to comment). Taking a break to fill up some jars, and maybe a salad sandwich. Honestly don't expect to do any more today, but you never know.
15th February 2010
Now things have quietened down post Valentine's day I'm looking forward to updating the site. On a random check there were three products that had been removed from the site when they went out of stock that weren't added back in when they arrived. So when the morning tasks are completed I'm doing a full check; and then have a number of new things to add afterwards too.
Full check nearly done: and its gone 6pm. So far I've found 244 things that need amending, or simply tidying up. That's quite a bit! I'll start on it first thing tomorrow. Most of the adjustments you won't even notice, but the whole site should look a lot tidier when done. I'll put the new products on hold until all this is done else it'll just be more clutter to sort through later. Oh the joys of an on-line shop :)
9th February 2010
Another entry for the statisticians! Since we launched, the average number of unique* hits per day to our main page has increased by at least 50% every month; bar two. On three months the unique hits more than doubled.
The exceptions to this 50% monthly increases were September last year, and January this; which increased by 38% and 37% on the previous month respectively. February is currently 50.32% up on January: which means that one of the quietest months of the year is UP more than double that of December!!
*A unique hit is awarded for when a visitor first arrives at the page, if they return to it within a fixed period of time only a general hit is scored. While we are interested in general hits, as is shows people are navigating the site, we are far more interested in how many people are passing through.
I did warn you it was one for the statisticians. You can't say you weren't warned :)
5th February 2010
Just to give you an idea of the growth of the site, in the first four days of this month there have been more hits than during the entire month of October last year!
4th February 2010
Hoping to get the chance to update the site soon. Been so very busy on the shop floor... There's a few new goodies that need to be tried. We'll let you know when all the work is done. Promise :)
2nd February 2010
Just enough time to give you a statistic. Yesterday we had three times as many orders as on the busiest trading day running up to Christmas. If your order was one of them, your sweets went first post this morning.
30th January 2010
We can't be sure but we think we might be the fastest growing sweet shop on the internet. Our hit count has passed all expectations. We expected things to slow down after Christmas; they haven't. Not only have more people visited us in January than in December, but more people have been in January than everyone put together in the months before December. And the chart is still growing.... We'll take another look at this in the weeks to come.
28th January 2010
Update: Pez is now in stock, and on-line. Ben 10 characters will be added to the list shortly and are in stock.
Pez is due today; actually any minute (the booked time is 11am - which is the time of writing). Keep an eye on the site for the range to explode.
27th January 2010
The Pez shipment is due tomorrow. Keep watching our Pez World page for all the characters. We've missed you little Pez Heads.
25th January 2010
We had a lovely letter published in the Brighton Argus this weekend. It's short and to the point, and well worth spending a minute to read. In turn I would like to thank Antoinetta Loveland for her kind words. Click here to read.
19th January 2010
The Vobes Show Podcast featuring the Sussex Sweet Shop is now on-line at http://vobes.com/oldsweets.php. We'd love to hear what you think!
18th January 2010
On Saturday we were visited by the Vobes Show, an very popular internet podcast. We'll let you know when our interview is to be broadcast, but in the meantime we can highly recommend a visit to www.vobes.com where you will find loads of fascinating general interest features, with the unique approach that could only come from Richard Vobes.
So what have we been doing over the last week? Mostly working on our Google advertising campaign. And its working... January is going to be busier than December (which is unheard of!). Everything else has taken a back seat. Another week of this and we're back to working on ingredient listings. Good thing my name isn't Jack or I would be a dull boy indeed.
11th January 2010
Pez has been going mad even into the new year. Fresh stocks are due in the next week or so. Check back soon for a fuller range.
7th January 2010
One week into the new year already... and its time to start breaking those resolutions. Especially if your resolution was to give up all the sweeties. Not that we have a vested interest...
4th January 2010
Right, are you sitting comfortably back at work? Good. By that I mean; we missed you!
After much deliberation we have chosen our winner of the Face of the Sussex Sweet Shop competition. And the winner is Emma from Poole. Thanks to all those who entered.
We'll be working with Emma to arrange her shoot in the coming weeks, and she'll get her 3kg jar of sweets on the same day. Well done Emma and we look forward to meeting you soon.
1st January 2010
Happy New Year to everyone. Normal on-line trading continues, although if you were coming to our on street store this will remain closed until 9th.
15th December 2009
All web updates are taking a bit of a back seat at this busy time of year. But we have managed to upload a couple of images to the About Us page, of two of the team in fancy dress. Want to see this in person? We'll be donning the same attire on Saturday this weekend. See you then!
11th December 2009
Late night shopping hits the village, with the church throwing a big shindig. Busy busy busy filling the shelves as today is traditionally one of our busiest days of the year.
No one has yet guessed the new mystery flavour of crystal. Keep guessing... So far you're not even close.
10th December 2009
Its been an exciting day. Today we received fresh stocks from one of our major suppliers, including the much heralded new flavour of crystal. We'll be announcing it soon, but we promise its unlikely that you will be able to guess. But for fun we're opening the channels. The best or most creative suggestions will be printed here. Get those thinking hats on!
9th December 2009
Been more than a bit busy in our on-street shop to really do much to the web site. But as an update all orders are still going out next working day,
The closing date for the "Face Off" competition is fast approaching. Fancy being a minor celebrity? Then click the link below.
8th December 2009
I think I must have stuck a hot poker in the hornets nest with yesterday's provocation. My word! Not one, not two, but three questions, all asking if there are any new Pez designs coming along. I've been in touch with our new supplier who informs us that early next year we will be able to order Ben 10 and Toy Story II. As for our current out of stocks (nearly half of our range has sold out over the last two weeks) we hope to be able to replenish them then too. What stock we do have is running out fast; so please order now else you might be disappointed.
7th December 2009
A whole weekend without any questions from you guys. What? Has our broadband gone dead? Seriously though, was X-Factor THAT good. Perhaps...
Let me dig around my inbox for any old messages yet to be publicly answered. Ah, here's one. Bob from Stoke wanted to know how long the shop has been trading. Well, we started trading Christmas week in 2006 - so this year is going to be our fourth season. The on-line shop opened in July of this year and everything is so far running ahead of all plans. There are no further plans for anything else at this time. But never say never and we are open to ideas.
5th December 2009
Late Blog Entry: A quick thank you to everyone who has made this week a record breaking week for the on-line shop. It has been just incredible. Don't worry we are staying on top of the orders which are going out on schedule, and last minute stocks are arriving at the store this week. There should be plenty to go around.
Only two Saturdays until Christmas and everyone is getting festive. Well, perhaps not me, but I have no choice but to emulate my favourite xmas based confectionery product. So Humbug to the lot of you. Or, perhaps Everton Mints for the Scousers? Either way I am reluctantly preparing to do the big Christmas lights switch on. And will then retire with a large undiluted glass of Baileys. (Well you have to, don't you?) Heck, I better think about Christmas shopping too.
4th December 2009
Another big thank you to everyone - including you - for our phenomenal growth. We are only four days into the month but we have already had more hits to the site than during the month of September as a whole. We have a number of people telling us that they had been recommended to us by their friends.
If you want to keep up with the 'Blog' there are now a number of ways. And naturally all of them are free!
1 Subscribe via email. Just click the contact us page and request the Blog. Please ensure you type in your email address correctly
2 Join our Facebook group, and comment on the Blog thread. This way you'll have notification every time we add an update.
3 Bookmark this page and come back often
3rd December 2009
Hi. Sorry I can't stop and talk, I've been really busy today. But I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you. You're all that matters to me. Have a great day. All my love. The Sussex Sweet Shop XX
2nd December 2009
A quick question from Gena in the West Midlands. "Hello" she says. Well, "Hello to you too!". She's noticed the colourful bar at the bottom of many of our products. She has a milk intolerance and wants to know if there is an easy way to find all the milk free sweets. She's tried using the search feature in the yellow bar above but nothing came up. "Help!" she says. Well help we shall, but let's first open it to the floor... anyone... yes you, the guy in the mottled cardigan... yes... and the answer is?... yes, that's right. For Gena, and those that didn't hear simply head back our home page (yellow bar again) scroll to the bottom where you should see a big banner that says "Nutritional", click on that and all will be revealed. Currently our milk free sweets are running to five pages, and more are being added to the category each week.
1st December 2009
Pez World was born today. Although it sounds like a haven on SecondLife its really just the section where all our Pez products are now housed. No more emailing us to find out what we have, simply order it like any other product. Its just one small step for a man, one giant leap for Pez kind. Quick someone take this keyboard off of me I have started to write gibberish...
30th November 2009
We are totally astounded by the popularity of Pez. Over the next day or so we have no option but to give Pez its own folder in the web-shop. Every other order this week has been Pez related. So watch out for the ability to order individual characters without having to email the shop. There's even more Pez news coming soon so keep watching this space.
28th November 2009
Its the last few weeks to enter the "Face of" competition. Could you be to the Sussex Sweet Shop what Liz Hurley, Kate Moss and many others have been for other companies? Not interested yourself but know someone who might be, then now is the time to act. Simply click the link above. Don't forget, the winner could be of any age or gender. Are you a Milky Bar Kid, a glamorous grannie, a yummy mummy, or a chunky hunk. Anyone can win. Enter now!
27th November 2009
A big thanks to everyone who placed an order yesterday. We've only been on-line since the summer and it was our busiest day to date. Thanks to one and all.
Amongst yesterdays product uploads are some super-dooper new chocolate lines. We have had a number of requests for coffee creams. Got 'em! There's also a scrummy lime spears, black cherry creams, delicate violet fondant creams and classic mixed fruit creams. All generously coated in proper chocolate. Don't tell you are are not tempted...
26th November 2009
A quick thank you to Mitch who sent us a sweet related joke. Yes we do know a few confectionery jokes but none of them are really suitable for a family friendly site. As yours is we've published it below.
What did the Pokemon do in the sweet shop? Pick-a-chew!
You can all groan now...
25th November 2009
We have had a few questions about how long it takes us to send out your orders. Apparently there are some sites out there that take over a week. Well to answer the question, in the last three months all but one order were sent out in the next available post. The one exception went 24 hours later. Even if you place your order at midnight on a Sunday we'd hope to send the order out in the first post on a Monday. Hope that puts your minds at rest.
24th November 2009
Ok, Pez update time. I'm not rummaging through to find each and every variety but as a general overview:
Good Availability
Mickey Mouse and Friends
Hello Kitty
Disney Fairies
Best of Pixar
Low Stocks
Ice Age III
Madagascar II
As always we have plenty of refills in stock. Obviously these make a great stocking filler so it makes sense to order now while there is still a good selection. Specific characters availability can be requested from the Pez page.
23rd November 2009
Great news, we have sourced two new suppliers commencing in a few weeks, both with unique quality products we have been unable to get anywhere else. I don't want to spoil the surprise but this means we are now able to stock the one product we have been asked for more than any other. No more clues other than you Scots know what I mean!!
We've had a few questions about 'Pez' lately. I'll give an update as to availability tomorrow.
21st November 2009
We had an attempted break in at the shop at 2am this morning. Thankfully due to some added precautions they were unable to get in and all we had to contend with was broken glass. We also discovered that the 24hour emergency glazing company only work 9-5. Still, all is safe now.
This week we have been selling empty jars at the shop for Children in Need. We expect a busy day today but so far we have nearly £30. Its a great cause and if you want to donate you can do so over the counter at most banks.
20th November 2009
Now to Tony from Solihull, who read with interest yesterday's entry. Where are all the Jelly Teddies? He's searched the site and can't find them anywhere. What's going on? Well, sorry Tony, but I have to blame Kathy for this one (poor Kathy, its not really your fault). Yesterday's question sent so many of you rushing to buy that we've temporarily run out. Only for a few days though. To try to avoid disappointment we removed it from the site. We failed, Sorry Tony. We'll give him double the amount on his next order. Hope that helps Tony!
19th November 2009
Our first question comes from Kathy in Port Talbot. Why aren't there any blue jelly bears? The reason is that this year we switched our jelly bears over to Haribo who only use natural colours. As there is no natural colour which can provide a bright blue colour they have chosen to not compromise their principals. Cheaper bears are available to us, which include 'blue bear', but we have taste tested them and Haribo is by far the best. Nice question Kathy a small prize is on its way to you.
Next?
18th November 2009
We're here to answer your questions. Use the 'Contact Us' page and we'll publish the best questions here. A prize to the first to be published!!
New special offer now on-line. Spend over £5 and we'll include a free bag of Mini Marshmallows worth 50p absolutely free.
13th November 2009
And it poured down..... guess must be Friday 13th
12th November 2009
The nights are closing in. Its getting dark and damp. Frankly its getting 'orrible! Why not try some traditional favourites to cheer yourself. Winter Mixture, Clove Balls, and classic liquorice lines are perfect this time of year.
More work has been done behind the scenes on the site. If you are reading this you are just one of hundreds of visitors. Why not join our Facebook group?
No shop talk today. Just a few words in memory of our fallen heroes and civilian casualties. You will never be forgotton. And a special mention to our current service men and women; keep up the brave work guys. We need you!
10th November 2009
An update has been added to the Terms and Conditions, which are now much easier to read. We're still getting the shop ready for Christmas so web updates are on hold for the moment. Orders are still going out next day though.
7th November 2009
The new interactive blog will start next week and we will need your feedback. Make sure you check back regularly. Prizes will be awarded.
5th November 2009
Who said Bonfire Toffee Pips wouldn't sell? Wrong, wrong, wrong. If anyone wants to order them we still have some left, and yet more on order.
4th November 2009
See, I knew if I got nasty then whoever ordered the rain would cancel it. The sun is out and everything is lovely again. For making things nice I'll cancel the blizzard I ordered for Christmas.
3rd November 2009
Okay, who ordered the rain? Seriously? I mean we were all enjoying the mild autumn and then splosh! Well whoever it was you could have warned us. For revenge I've just booked snow for Christmas day and nobody wants that. Ha, that'll show you.
2nd November 2009
A whole batch of new products arrives in the shop today. It'll be a few days before we get them on-line so keep watching out in the 'New Products' section on our front page. We're also looking forward to our new exciting Christmas range in the coming week or so.
Only a few weeks to the closing date of our "Face Off" competition, have you got your entry in yet?
31st October 2009
Hallowe'en is here, and we are all a little bit scared. The witching hour approaches and hundreds of grown-ups in fancy dress will be staggering around in the streets after a half glass of shandy, or three. You know what? I think I may just join them but what to wear??
Meanwhile the shop has been busy with people stocking up for trick-or-treaters.
24th October 2009
Crumbs, its been a week since I last wrote. A big apology to anyone who hangs on my every word. Not the biggest of audiences I know. But here goes.
Shock news, for a short while we were out of Walnut Whips. Then we got some more and everyone was happy again.
Obviously the postal strike will cause delays in the delivery time of your orders. Please email us to let us know your order has arrived safely.
17th October 2009
Yes, we're still ploughing on with the website. Its mind numbing repetitive stuff. So mind numbing. So repetitive. Did we mention it was repetitive? But its going to be worth it.
Have you entered the 'face of' contest yet? Follow the link from our home page and get yourself entered. You have as much chance as anyone else. Promise!
14th October 2009
Its been a productive couple of days at the Sussex Sweet Shop, and now we're starting to work on some behind the scenes tasks on the site. Yes, we'll add new products as and when they make themselves known; and yes the Nutritional Project will be added to as we get the information ourselves; and yes at some point all the details will be filled in on the e-numbers page; but there are some critical jobs that won't wait any longer. You won't see much of a difference, unless you're keen eyed but its happening.
13th October 2009
It's 9am and already we've added eight of the new products to the shop. Not that they are all what you would call new. Cinnamon Balls have been around for an age for example. No, we mean new to the site. More to follow...
Now 26 new products on the site. There is more to come but we have other tasks to do now so they'll have to wait for now.
12th October 2009
The Nutritional Project has reached 60% today. We have a few pictures to take of the new lines, which should be uploaded and on-line sometime tomorrow.
10th October 2009
Preparations have been made to upload several new products, and updated ingredients listings early next week. Click the New button on the front page to see what has been updated most recently.
9th October 2009
The front page graphic has been updated, just a little more colour behind the corporate oval.
8th October 2009
Headache, thump, thump. Finally finished listing the E numbers. Still need to flesh out the details, but if you really need to know the facts you now have the information to be able to Google it!
7th October 2009
E numbers page is about 50% complete. Colours, preservatives and antioxidants as all finished; still have sweeteners, emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, gelling agents, anti-caking agents etc to do.
6th October 2009
So little time and so much to do. The E Numbers page has been neglected lately so we are working on that this week. But we also have a number of new products to add; and still need to work on the Nutritional Project too. Finally we want freshen up the main graphic (the picture directly above) which is nice but needs some work.
29th September 2009
Adding new products today. Check out the new "new" section on the home page! Entries for the "Face Off" competiton have started to come in. Why not enter yourself? Or suggest to someone else?
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