Support Scarborough: Chocolates shop takes business online to combat second lockdown

Local chocolatier, Alex Grant of Croft’s Chocolates spoke to Scarborough News about the impact coronavirus has had on his business and his plans for the future.

Alex said: “We closed for the whole period from March 23 until June 15.

“It was quite depressing to have to shut after everything we’d done and we wondered when or if we could re-open.

“I was going to do a local delivery service, but in the end I donated all chocolate with a short shelf life to the hospital staff and police. I don’t know how far it went!

When the shop reopened Alex had to replace everything. It took two weeks to be fully restocked.

The business has made some small changes to comply with social distancing, however they have not been as affected as some of the larger stores.

Alex, who runs the Deliciously Yorkshire award-winning business with his mother, Sheila, said: “We adapted to ensure only two people or one group are in the shop at any one time. It’s not really been a problem as we don’t really get crowds in here.”

“I’ve been trying to do more online and have launched the website www.croftschocolates.com, which we’ve updated so you can build your own box of chocolates as well as buy the rest of the stock, but it’s never going to be the same as standing there and choosing in the shop.”

One big change for this year is that Alex would normally make a seven foot tall snowman which he would raffle to raise funds for local charities.

It has become a popular Christmas attraction in Scarborough, with many people calling in to be photographed with it.

This year, however, Alex has decided it would be better to donate two £100 hampers to local good causes, ensuring he still supports the people of the town.

Sheila said: “We’re still hoping people will shop locally for Christmas.

“We’re encouraging people to shop online and shop locally, but we’re aware the older generation don’t all use the internet.

“We’re encouraging them to give us a ring and we will do our best to get to them, somebody will be here most days.”

“Our online orders are available for click and collect and local delivery within Scarborough.”

Advent calendars are available to order online now, and we are hoping our Christmas products will be online by the end of next week.”

Message to local shops and businesses from The Scarborough News

The Scarborough News has launched a new campaign, #SupportScarborough.

For the rest of this month, we are happy to publicise your website and/or other services during lockdown. Email [email protected] with the details.

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Yorkshire Weeklies