Youngs Auld Sweet Shops Inverness and Aviemore, Inverness-Shire

DESCRIPTION
Youngs Auld Sweetie Shop is a highly desirable opportunity to run a profitable business based in 2 enviable locations in the Highlands. Both shops are positioned centrally, in the city of Inverness and town of Aviemore respectively. Both benefit from a high level of tourist trade especially as the as well as a well-established, loyal local following.e Inverness shop is close to the drop off point of the Cromarty Firth Cruise Ships, of which in 2024, 118 are due to port and potentially bring circa, 227,000 visitors to the City. Local, loyal trade is also plentiful.

The properties are finished to an exceptional standard and ideally laid out to showcase the high-quality products offered. Already trading at a very good level, there are further opportunities to increase turnover and profitability should new owners' desire.

TRADE
The business has a solid year-round trade with peak trading in the holiday season from March to October when it benefits from the huge influx of tourists to the area. Aviemore benefits from ongoing tourist trade throughout the year. During the winter months, the Inverness business enjoys a strong local following which bolsters the lower level of tourist related turnover - naturally, Christmas purchasing significantly boosts income in December in both locations.

The Aviemore business has traded successfully since 2013 when the business was opened by the current owners and latterly the Inverness shop was opened in 2019 where business continues to flourish. Currently the business is run day to day by an experienced and loyal manager and team. Opening hours are Monday - Sunday, 10 am - 5.30 pm each day.

Branding is consistent across both premises and focusses on a wide range of high-quality sweets complimented by exemplary service. Merchandise includes a wide range of popular sweets such as: Pick n Mix; Handmade Fudge and chocolate; traditional chocolate bars; as well as a huge range of traditional bags of sweets including boilings and the currently very popular, retro offering. Products from Scotland as well as the rest of the world are offered including imported liquorice and traditional drinks The professionally designed layout in both premises results in a very easy-to-operate business and provides scope to adjust the range of goods and services should new owners wish to do so. Both premises feel welcoming and spacious and have been invested in heavily to ensure that the products are displayed to their best advantage. The current owners were passionate about retaining the brand and there has been significant investment to ensure that the layout in both shops is very similar and of an equally high standard.

REASON FOR SALE
The vendors have owned the Auld Sweetie Shop business since 2013 It is their desire to retire that brings this excellent business to the market.

LOCATION
This business benefits trading in arguably the 2 most popular tourist destinations in the Highlands:

Aviemore: the property has a tremendous location on the main street of Aviemore benefitting from the high level of tourist footfall throughout the year. The area surrounding Aviemore is renowned for its idyllic scenery, mystic lochs, vast glens and open spaces which combine to make the area highly popular with those seeking a variety of holiday options in the Scottish Highlands both in Summer and Winter months. The Cairngorm Mountain range makes Aviemore the Premier Mountain and Ski Resort in Scotland. Aviemore offers a full range of education, social and welfare facilities for residents. The town has a railway station and is on the main A9 arterial route from Inverness to Perth, which affords ease of access. Inverness to the North is the capital of the Highlands providing a full range of additional services including an airport.

Inverness: This property is based near the bustling centre of Inverness. Considered the "Capital of the Highlands", Inverness is a vibrant city with a population in excess of 50,000 and a geographical shopping catchment area spanning 10,000 square miles, with a potential catchment population of around 200,000. Within the holiday season, the city attracts many thousands of visitors who come to experience the Highlands in all its glory. Inverness has extensive facilities for residents and visitors boasting three golf courses, a theatre (Eden Court), an excellent indoor swimming complex, two cinemas, ten pin bowling and ample opportunity to enjoy an evening's entertainment at a range of venues. Inverness is a busy tourist destination with its population swelling greatly in the main tourist season. 1DY

THE PROPERTY
Both impressive properties benefit from direct access from busy central main thoroughfares. Large double-fronted windows and prominent signage draws the eye of those passing by and emphasises the strong brand identity that the business has developed over time. The shops are immaculate and extremely well maintained within. Both benefit from well-designed retail areas, maximising the good space on offer. Full height shelving cover opposing walls in both shops and separate storage areas are available to the rear of each shop with a useful packaging area for Pick n Mix. These packaging areas could be used to support online sales etc should new owners wish. Adequate welfare facilities and W.C are available in both locations.

ACCOUNTS
Accounts and other financial information will be made available to seriously interested parties following viewing.

LEASE
Both premises are let with 10 year leases. We understand that the Inverness premises lease expires in 2029 with a break in 2024 and the premises lease expires in 2033 with a break in 2028. We understand that both landlords would be open to extending terms should that be desired.

SERVICES
The unit benefits from mains electricity, water and drainage.