A NEW sweet shop opened in Carlisle this weekend and it's hoping to become a 'sweet retreat' for the residents in the city.

Sweet Retreat opened on English Street in Carlisle on Sunday, April 28 with the owners saying their first few days in the business have been non-stop.

The business is the brainchild of David Finnerty, who has decided to 'take the plunge' in opening his own business after noticing a gap in the market caused by Wilko's closing in the city last year.

David said: "As soon as we opened the door, the amount of tags we got (on social media) of their kids with the sweets it was just amazing.

News and Star: There is a wide variety of fizzy drinks and snacks in the store.There is a wide variety of fizzy drinks and snacks in the store. (Image: Supplied)

"They were all just amazed at the selection, at the price and how reasonable it was, and just really happy at the fact it was pay by container for the pick'n'mix.

"It was just constant throughout the day, really busy with a couple of mad hours, just constant from opening the door at 9am to closing at 4pm and people were still trying to get in the door.

"Just overall it's going really well, it's been as busy on Monday and Tuesday as it was on Sunday."

News and Star: Some of the many snacks and sweets from around the world.Some of the many snacks and sweets from around the world. (Image: Supplied)

The shop has over 450 different types of pick'n'mix and caters for a variety of different people, including providing a sugar free selection - as well as stocking Calippo fizzy frozen drinks and sweets and snacks from around the world.

Dave said: "A couple of customer have been in on Monday and Tuesday this week as well for the sugar free. There was a diabetic lady she said she has never been able to get a pick'n'mix for over 30 years and she is over the moon with the selection we have got, which was really lovely to hear.

News and Star: The wide variety of pick and mix was a huge hit with customers on opening day.The wide variety of pick and mix was a huge hit with customers on opening day. (Image: Supplied)

The business has thanked people and other business in the city for the support shown since opening and are looking forward to their future in the city.

Dave said: "It's just been lovely to see the support of other businesses, we have been overwhelmed with the amount of support and we just hope it continues."