STEVESTON SWEET SHOPPE

Making Steveston a Whole Lot Sweeter

A Willy Wonka-esque candy store with an inviting lollipop garden window display has opened in Steveston. It’s a place where sugary dreams come to life as you explore the internationally sourced sweet temptations that have been rounded up in one location.

Elly Fenton and Lenny Entwistle are the dynamic duo behind Steveston Sweet Shoppe. Their sister shop Best of British is located next door. A wall separates the two stores but the common backroom storage space benefits both businesses.

The friends met over ten years ago when Lenny was Elly’s hairstylist at her salon Hair by Lenny that she still operates. Last year Elly sold her neighbouring company, Robel Tax Service, but she continues there as a consultant and is as busy as ever. In 2017, she and Lenny came up with the idea of opening a new British shop after Mary’s British Home closed. Building on the success of their first retail venture, and aware that candies are a big draw at Best of British, they decided to expand on the theme.

We thrive on running all of the businesses. We love what we are doing.

Steveston Sweet Shoppe was supposed to open in April, however, it took months to receive a permit to forge ahead with the minor renovations required to transform a portion of the storefront space they acquired from Village Books. In early September, it opened to the delight of customers who eagerly awaited the plethora of sweet treats.

Are you feeling nostalgic for your homeland or wishing to taste goodies that you experienced on your travels? The candy genies have granted your wish; confectionery from America, Australia, Britain, Holland, Japan, and Mexico, (among other countries) is carried.

Lenny is a natural-born designer and has a keen eye when it comes to finding vintage décor that feels right at home in the candy shop. She came up with some wonderful finds including china cabinets which were given new life in shades of pink, red and purple. She also collected Cadbury display racks circa 1960 and 1970 in their traditional deep purple colour.

Adding to the vibrant décor, local artist Laura Kwok was commissioned to create a lively and colourful candy wonderland mural. As well, Lenny picked up a vintage light fixture from her friend Laura at The Fab Pad; it creates the feeling of a blue moon hanging above the mural’s sky.

Some of the novelty candies include Hotlix suckers with real crickets encased in the centre and freeze-dried astronaut ice cream.

The shop also carries soft drinks, juice, and Chubby soda from Trinidad and Tobago. Lenny remarks, “These are items you can’t get elsewhere.” She adds with a laugh, “I pick the brains of McMath Secondary students for their ideas.”

The shop also carries some healthy sugar-free and gluten-free alternatives, after all, nobody should miss out on a candy fix. Lenny says, “Britain is big on offering these options.”

Cheerful pink, yellow and green barrels are filled with pick and mix wrapped candy. Lenny comments, “Scoop up what you like, have it weighed, and there you go!”

Part of the fun when going to the United States is exploring their different candy bars. You can find 100 Grand and Payday at the Sweet Shoppe.

“Everyone loves salt water taffy,” says Lenny, so a section of the store is devoted to this soft and chewy classic American candy. Another section features bubble gum.

From toddlers to adults, people of all ages love candy.

Lenny and Elly believe Christmas will be a busy time. They anticipate gift certificates will be popular and they will likely run an Instagram contest.

Both partners float back and forth between the two stores in addition to having assistance from their valued staff. Lenny says, “It’s a fun atmosphere. Elly manages the payroll and bookkeeping. We do the ordering together and I make things look pretty.”

They are both deeply appreciative of the support they received leading up to the store’s opening. Many friends volunteered to help; four days before the opening they came to assist with unpacking and displaying products while they enjoyed beer and pizza.

“We can sense people’s enthusiasm, the community wants this to succeed. Come in and tell us what candy you miss and we will try our best to source it for you,” Lenny says.

Steveston Sweet Shoppe

120-12031 First Avenue Richmond BC V7E 3M1

Telephone 604-370-3357