Tesco worker opens traditional sweet shop in Hythe

Kim Edgar will open the doors to her business venture Kimmi’s Candi Store today.

The 62-year-old decided to take the leap and open the shop after speaking to fellow residents.

The Tesco worker is excited to bring what’s been missing from Hythe to the area.

Kim said: “There are a lot of shops in Hythe, but many have been shutting because of Covid. After the pandemic my son opened a tattoo studio, and he has been doing really well.

“After he opened, I used to visit him at the studio after work and ask his customers what’s missing from Hythe and what they would like to see.

“Nine out of 10 people said they wanted a sweet shop as the closest one is in Totton.

“I decided to look into it and there are no sweet shops at all in an eight-to-12-mile radius of Hythe.

“My son kept telling me to go for it, so I got a business loan.

“I have never done this before.”

READ MORE: New pet store to open in Woolston

After making the decision four months ago to open the shop, Kim made a post on Facebook asking people what products they’d like to see.

The response was overwhelming.

Inside Kimmi's Candy Shop (Image: Kim Edgar)

She said: “Over 500 people responded and said they would love to see sweets from the past in a shop.

“The response so far has been unbelievable.

“Everyone has been asking me when the shop will open, and people keep saying I’m the talk of Hythe.

“It’s been amazing. I did have my doubts about it and if it would work, as opening a business is a struggle.

“I’m really excited.”

She added: “Why husband asked me why I want to do this now as I’m 62.

“I want to do something for myself.

“I am getting closer to retirement age, but I am not the sort of person that wants to stop.

“If I have something that’s mine, I am going to carry on and hopefully it will last.”

READ NEXT: New Indian restaurant brings traditional flavours with a modern twist

Kimmi’s Candy Store will offer a variety of sweets, from cola cubes, coconut mushrooms, aniseed balls and more.

“There’s everything people will remember from when they were young. There’s also a big selection of sweets kids eat today too,” Kim said.

The shop on Pylewell Road will be open seven days a week for the first two weeks.

It will then be open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.