The Sweet Sugar Candy Store
Welcome to the pop-up confectionery in Granny & Paw’s dining room to celebrate the Valentines holiday. The proprietors, Lilly and Presley have been hard at work putting together this magical little event that will only be open for a short few hours before it disappears.
STAGE 1: SUGAR FUELING
The first part of the morning was spent having a sweet breakfast of waffles, cuties, and donuts decorated with broken M&Ms. Since it’s the holiday of chocolates and candy, we decided to forego the usual sugar cautions and let nature take its course. Lilly is like the canary in the mine. This is the expression we watch for on her face to know that maximum velocity has been achieved. (Bad Granny says, “don’t try this at home!”)
Lilly has finally had enough sugar to propel the work required to build a Sweet Shop for Valentine’s Day.
STAGE 2: BUILD-A-STORE CHALLENGE
The first job is emptying out Granny’s storage tote of Valentine items such as candy bags, candles, paper plates, napkins, flowers, gift bags, trinkets, and assorted decorations.
Once the velvet valentine heart headbands are securely snapped on their heads, they are in the proper frame of mind.
There is lots of sorting to be done and passionate discussions about what will go where, who will do what, and how long this will take.
There is also a big question to be answered:
WHAT WILL WE NAME OUR STORE?
Meanwhile, a sign in the shape of a heart is hung to block the entrance so no customers may prematurely wander on to the premises. It will hang there until the Grand Opening.
Counting money from Paw’s Change Jar so the profits can be accurately calculated.
Organizing candy and determining how best to display the selection for maximum sales and aesthetic appeal.
Unboxing the inventory as single sales will yield the highest profits and provide the largest level of leftovers for taking home later.
Entrepreneurship requires out-of-the-box thinking: Granny’s tablecloth to make a valentine walk-way from the entrance to the main counter.
STAGE 3: ADVERTISING PHOTOS FOR THE GRAND OPENING
STAGE 4: HERE COMES THE CUSTOMERS!
All women get complimentary flowers and all men get to pick out three free candies. The best “Loss Leaders” ever.
Stage 5: Dissolution of the Partnership and Splitting the Assets
When all purchases are finalized, the store shuts down until next season. Leftover candy and profits are shared by the partners and physical assets are returned to the tote for storage. A sweet time was had by all.
TESTIMONIAL
“The large assortment of candy was beyond delicious. The sales staff were very knowledgeable and helped put together some great candy combinations. The lovely gift wrapping was free. The store was beautifully decorated and we loved the name. We look forward to shopping at The Sweet Sugar Candy Store again next year.”