Colour of a new shop in Dartmouth has split residents' opinion

A new shop front that opened in Dartmouth last week, has split opinion with its bright façade. 

SoSweet, an American sweet shop based in Bideford, has opened their 14th shop across the South West in the old Ladbrokes betting shop on Duke Street, Dartmouth. All of their shops are the same bright colour.  

The bright pink shop front has split the opinion of people on social media, leaving either love, hate or live and let live comments. 

credit SoSweet Dartmouth 

In the public Facebook group Dartmouth News and Support, a photo of the shop front was posted, and people gave their opinions about the new décor. 

Nik said: "That is an absolute eyesore, I imagine the other retail outlets on Foss Street are not in favour of the colour scheme."

Debbie said: "This shop has been sitting empty for roughly two years(?). It is now employing people, contributing to the economy of this town and whatever the opinion of the colour scheme, it’s certainly become a talking point…free advertising for them!"

Mark wrote: "Mark Looks great. Something different. I’ll be sure to pop in next time I’m in Dartmouth and support a local business. It’s better than it being an empty shop." while Mel added: "Not liking the brightness of it. It looks tacky."

Other pointed out the bright colours of the nearby Kingswear, and the bright pink colour of 150+year-old Cranch's Sweet Shop in Salcombe. 

Colourful houses in Kingswear 

Devon County and South Hams District Councillor Cllr Jonathan Hawkins posted that "following an email I [sent] to officers at SHDC, I have had confirmation that officers are in discussion with owners of the shop as are enforcement."

SoSweet, which is celebrating its tenth birthday this year, have declined to comment on the colour of their shop, but have explained that the shop in Dartmouth opened on Monday, 6 May, and will "create permanent jobs with seasonal increases as well".

A spokesperson said: "We take pride in offering a huge selection of Pick'n'Mix, timeless retro sweets, American imports, freeze-dried candy and so much more!" and they are "extremely excited to be opening it's doors in Dartmouth and can't wait to welcome customers". 

A official quote from South Hams District Council Cllr Dan Thomas, Executive Member for Planning at South Hams District Council, said: “We are currently investigating a business in Dartmouth in response to some concerns raised locally, however we cannot discuss any details while this takes place.”