‘Award-winning’ sweet shop announces closure leaving customers ‘gutted’

An ‘award winning’ Middlesbrough sweet shop is set to close its doors leaving customers ‘gutted’.

JJ’s Sweet Surprise, in Hill Street Shopping Centre, has announced with “deep regret” that the store will shut. The owners stated that they “cannot continue with the business anymore” citing “personal and business” reasons.

The post on JJ’s Sweet Surprise Facebook page states: “I have loved having the business and running the shop, but good things must come to an end. Thank you to our customers and staff who made us become who we are now.

“If it wasn’t for you lot, we wouldn’t of lasted this long. All stock, fixtures, and fittings must go.” The shop, in Dunkerque Mall, will close its doors on Wednesday, July 3.

However, the opening is stock dependent. On Monday, there were empty shelves, cordoned off aisles and huge posters on the window displaying three days to go signs.

Other posters also confirmed the closing down sale with 20% off all sweets. Hundreds of people expressed their sadness at the closure online.

“Awwww oh my kids are gutted,” one person wrote. “They have to come in when we come Middlesbrough. My daughter knows where her sweets are that she gets evertime. Staff are lovely and friendly.” Another said: “This is sad news loved your shop. Best of luck to whatever you do next.”

One woman added: “Gutted kids loved the sweets your American sweets! Best affordable sweet shop round!”

For breaking news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter