Matt is as authentic as they come, and has a fantastic sense of humour, with an undeniable commitment to his community, which he attributes his contentment to working in a sweet shop. Owner Matt Ellison and wife Jan run The Sweet Jar, located at the entrance to The Arcade in Bognor Regis. With a range of over 250 different traditional boiled sweets, fudges, ice creams and traditional seaside rock, The Sweet Jar has something to tickle every taste bud. The Sweet Jar’s bestselling boiled sweets are familiar favourites – Cola Cubes, Lemon Sorbet, and Rhubarb and Custard, and the most popular hand-made fudge flavour is a mouth-watering Sea Salt Caramel.

You can expect a warm welcome when visiting The Sweet Jar, Matt knows his regulars, and their favourite sweets. There is a rich relationship he has nurtured with his customers, which can’t be bought – and these interactions and relationships are what raise the high street’s bricks and mortar shopping experience above anything an online customer service can deliver. The Sweet Jar’s beautiful, bright pink, Victorian style front can be seen from the promenade and forms an eye-catching entrance to the town centre through The Arcade. Matt clearly takes pride in the appearance of his shop, and regularly re-paints the frontage to keep it fresh and inviting.

‘It’s a great location, but in winter not so much! So, I try to look after it as best I can.’

Matt has nothing but positive things to say about his customers and the local community. For many years he has volunteered at the local theatre, and emphasises the importance of being part of your community. ‘Most people don’t know that the Regis Centre is run by 95% volunteers, including myself.’ (You can read about the exciting rejuvenation of the Alexandra Theatre in our Progress story, here.)

Pop in to The Sweet Jar to meet Matt and his wife, and take a trip down memory lane browsing the shelves – a visit here brings out the child in every shopper!

Find The Sweet Jar online: www.the-sweet-jar.co.uk and Facebook.