Fully describe the business's activities?
This is a sweet shop with a range of imported candy and drinks, popular local treat and snack brands, handmade chocolates and a wide range of pick n mix options, located in a busy shopping mall.
How long has the business been established?
The brand was developed in 2022, before that the store traded under a different name in the mall for over 10 years.
How long has the owner had the business?
The owner bought the shop in 2019 and rebranded as the current kiosk in 2022
How does the business operate on a daily basis?
Staff member on opening shift opens the kiosk and unpacks the goods at 8:45 to be trading at 9. They will pack up at closing time. In between the kiosk has a steady flow of customers- both regulars and new customers, those who are looking for something specific and those stopping for an impulse buy. The point of sale, staff and suppliers are all reliable.
How are the clients attracted to the business?
We have somewhat of an online presence with the tik tok, instagram and facebook pages but the main customers are those who are in the mall, both shoppers and staff.
What Advertising/Marketing is carried out?
Our most successful marketing is the A4 posters with the regular specials. Occasionally we have an online post which garners attention or we participate in raffles and lucky draws.
What competition exists?
Other notable snack and beverage operators in the vicinity include the biltong shop and Checkers
What are the seasonal trends?
The kiosk benefits significantly from the school holiday periods, particularly during the peak December holiday season. Umhlanga is one of South Africa's most popular holiday destinations, attracting substantial domestic and international tourism, while the mall is one of the largest and most visited shopping centres in the Southern Hemisphere. As a result, the business experiences a marked increase in foot traffic and sales during holiday periods, with December consistently delivering the strongest trading results of the year.
Is the business VAT Registered?
Yes
Are there up-to-date Management Accounts available?
Yes
What Balance Sheet and Income Statements are available?
All
What percentage of the business is cash/credit?
100% cash
How could the profitability of the business be improved?
Stronger online presence, more marketing, fewer staff, possibly a second POS during busier periods
What is the total staff complement?
4
Give a breakdown of staff/ functions/ length of service?
Staff Complement
The business operates with a team of four trained staff members responsible for sales, customer service, merchandising, stock control, cash handling, shop presentation, and daily operational procedures.
Staff length of service ranges from approximately 3 to 10 years, providing continuity and operational knowledge within the business.
Are they on contract?
Yes
Do any have management potential?
Yes
How involved is the Owner in running the business?
The owner currently oversees supplier ordering, creditor payments, stock management, promotions, reporting, and general business administration. Average time spent on the business is 1 hour/ day
When does the current lease end?
31 October 2028
What is the annual escalation %?
8%
What are the trading hours?
Monday: 09:00 â 19:00
Tuesday: 09:00 â 19:00
Wednesday: 09:00 â 19:00
Thursday: 09:00 â 19:00
Friday: 09:00 â 21:00
Saturday: 09:00 â 21:00
Sunday: 09:00 â 18:00
What is the square meters of the business?
Kiosk approximately 2x2
Is a copy of the lease available?
Yes
What are the main assets of the business?
The fixtures and fittings, 3 drinks fridges, 2 popcorn machines, candy bins and a scale for weighing the pick n mix.
Are any items not included in the sale?
The point of sale is rented
What is their overall condition?
The kiosk is new (Oct 2025) , there are small signs of wear and a little water damage to a cupboard door and some of the candy bins need attention but overall condition very good.
Which assets are on lease/HP and with whom?
The Point Of Sale is on lease from Odyssey
Are they presently insured?
Yes
Strengths?
- Located in in a premier retail destination with strong year-round foot traffic.
- Established business with a recognised customer base and proven trading history.
- Attractive, colourful product offering with broad appeal across children, teenagers, families and tourists.
- Strong gross profit margins on key product categories such as popcorn, slushies and confectionery.
- Relatively simple business model requiring limited specialised skills.
- Benefits from significant seasonal trading peaks during school holidays and the December holiday season.
- Diverse product mix including sweets, chocolates, drinks, popcorn, candy floss, crisps and novelty items.
- Existing supplier relationships and established operating systems.
Weaknesses?
- Sales are highly dependent on mall foot traffic and customer impulse purchases.
- Business requires hands-on stock management due to the large number of product lines.
- Exposure to shrinkage and stock losses if controls are not consistently maintained.
- Reliance on owner involvement for purchasing, supplier management and business administration.
- Limited physical footprint restricts product expansion opportunities.
Opportunities?
- Increase marketing through social media, loyalty programmes and local promotions.
- Expand gifting, seasonal hampers and custom confectionery offerings.
- Introduce additional high-margin exclusive or imported confectionery products.
- Strengthen partnerships with schools, events, parties and corporate gifting customers.
- Improve kiosk visibility and merchandising to maximise conversion from passing foot traffic.
- Capitalise further on tourism and holiday visitor spending in Umhlanga.
- Potential to introduce online ordering and delivery for selected products and gift items.
Threats?
- Shopping centre rental and operating costs.
- Economic downturns
- Competition from supermarkets, convenience stores and other confectionery retailers.
- Potential disruptions to mall traffic due to renovations, tenant changes or broader economic conditions.
- Supplier price increases affecting margins if not passed on to customers.
- Load shedding, power interruptions or equipment failures impacting trading and product quality.
What is the reason for the sale?
After many rewarding years in the confectionery retail industry, the owner has chosen to focus on family, other business interests, and community commitments.
Why is this a good business?
This is a rare opportunity to acquire an established retail business in one of South Africa's premier shopping destinations. The business benefits from a proven trading history, strong brand recognition, and a loyal customer base built over many years.
The product range appeals to a broad demographic, including children, teenagers, families, tourists, and gift shoppers, generating repeat business throughout the year. Key product categories such as popcorn, slushies, confectionery, and novelty treats offer attractive gross profit margins and strong impulse-purchase appeal.
The business is straightforward to operate, with established supplier relationships, trained staff, proven systems, and clear operating procedures already in place. It also enjoys significant seasonal trading boosts during school holidays and the December festive period, driven by increased visitor traffic to Umhlanga.
For an owner-operator, the business provides the opportunity to be actively involved in a fun, customer-focused retail environment while benefiting from an established foundation and further growth potential.