Sweet Market opens in former Village Candy space in Sewickley

The Easter bunny arrived early to celebrate the opening of a sweet new store in Sewickley, greeting customers as they walked into the one-way stop to treat heaven.

Sweet Market, located at 348 Beaver St., had its grand opening Friday. The store occupies the building where former nostalgic candy store Village Candy operated before shuttering its doors last October.

Pittsburgh natives Lisa Edmonds and Sherry Fleiner, the co-founders of the store, frequented Sewickley a lot so they felt the town was the perfect place for them to open a business. The two have known each other since third grade.

“We wanted to be a part of the community, and we love it here,” Edmonds, 55, said. “It was just natural for us.”

The store offers an array of products like retro candy, coffee, bubble tea and uniquely blended frappé drinks. Seasonal treats are offered in addition to every-day menu of pastry items as well.

“We wanted to create an experience for everybody,” Edmonds said.

Due to the pandemic, Edmonds and Fleiner collaborated via email and phone as they mapped out their vision for Sweet Market in November. Despite the barrier, they executed their idea in four months. Since both had long-time experience in making homemade treats, the idea came together smoothly.

“We already had the same vision for everything, so when we went shopping, it all came together,” Fleiner, 55, said.

Edmonds and Fleiner decided to pursue their business during covid because they thought it would be a way to bring the community together.

“We wanted to find a way to bring something for the community to look forward to including us during this time,” Fleiner said.

Customers were excited to see a new candy shop on the street. One person came as early as 9 a.m. to buy donuts, Fleiner said.

Elaine Cassidy, who owns the Clay Cafe in Sewickley, wanted to welcome and support a fellow local business.

“I was so excited to see a new candy shop after we lost one,” Cassidy, 61, said. “This one fits the town so well.”

Saxon Franz of Sewickley brought the two kids she was babysitting for a quick sweet fix.

“I was already out and about and wanted to support a small local business since it’s new,” Franz, 37, said.

Sweet Market is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sundays and closed on Mondays. The hours are tentative as customer traffic is monitored.