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Sweet concept with a store in Złote Tarasy (photos) 
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Unusual sweets from all over the world. They sold online, they go to the supermarket
How was the Słodyczowo store created? What was its history and the inspiration for its creation?
Kacper Błędowski – partner of the TRIMO company, owner of the Słodyczowo brand: – This is a great story and proof that the best ideas are born from the desire to create new things and casual conversations between partners about business. For several years, Paulina (co-owner) and I worked in finance, in one of the largest consulting companies in the world, and we decided that we wanted to finally go to the "other side", to the so-called "business". When we changed jobs, we started to think about the idea of starting our own business, even on a part-time basis, similar to the "side hustle" popular in the United States. Paulina's parents are entrepreneurs, and I was also interested in running a company, even though I saw myself more as a financial director. We often talked about traveling in our free time, and from word to word, Paulina talked about her trip to Japan and products and flavors that are not available in Poland. However, I tried foreign KitKats. Intrigued by this idea, we came to the conclusion that in Poland there are very limited opportunities to try such flavors. We started market research and decided we could do it nicely.
– We founded the company at the end of 2019, and at the beginning of 2020 we started operating online. Just moments later, the pandemic broke out. In June 2020, we opened a stationary store in the center of Warsaw and tried to expand our offer with products from different parts of the world, i.e. the USA, Japan and European flavors. As we all know, there was a lockdown in 2020, so we decided to move all activities to the online store and develop online sales more strongly. And that's how we got to where we are today.
What products does your store offer? Which countries do these products come from?
KB: – We focus on products imported from abroad, but also on limited editions of well-known brands, e.g. unusual flavor combinations or products with pop culture icons. On average, we have about 700 active different products in the store from all over the world. We mainly focus on products from America, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Italy, but we also have products from Brazil and China. We offer products that appeal to various taste buds and needs – both for young people who want to try products known from Social Media, and for older people who want to return to the flavors known from their travels or want new experiences.
What are the most popular product categories in your e-store?
KB: -Definitely sweets and chips. Sweets, especially American ones, which have conquered the world with their love for peanut butter, and Asian sweets, which have very exotic flavors. When it comes to chips, chips from well-known brands are popular, but in flavors not available in Poland. However, we have several different categories that we are constantly developing, adapting to customer expectations. We also divide categories by the product's country of origin to make it easier for customers to choose flavors from a specific region. We also create our own categories, such as "extreme and spicy", which attract more adventurous customers looking for unique flavors and sensations.
What are your store's plans to expand its offering in the future?
KB: – We are up to date with changes in the market and constantly expand our offer with new products. Our offer is largely influenced by changing trends on the market and online, to which we try to adapt to best meet the expectations and needs of the market. The second issue is customer inquiries about product availability – we try to meet these expectations regarding the assortment. We are open to new products, while searching for gems on foreign markets.
What does the ordering and return process look like in the slodyczowo.pl store?
KB: – We tried to simplify the ordering process so that customers would not waste their time, which is why we have introduced, among others: one-step basket. Additionally, due to the exotic names and products themselves, we have introduced short product descriptions on category cards, which saves customers time to familiarize themselves with "mysterious" names. We try to ensure that customers have access to all information when placing an order with a bit of our humor. Returns are also very simple – just e-mail or written information about the planned return of goods and we will provide all the necessary information. Our regulations and returns policy are written in simple and accessible language so that customers have no doubts about their understanding.
Does your store offer any loyalty programs or discounts for regular customers?
KB: – Of course, in our online store we try to appreciate regular customers who have trusted us and have been with us for some time. Currently, Słodyczowo has a loyalty program that responds to customers' needs related to freebies. As part of the loyalty program, customers collect points for paid orders, which can be exchanged for products of their choice for 1 cent the next time they order.
What sales channels do you use? Do social media and influencer marketing have a big impact on sales?
KB: – We use all possible sales channels, i.e. organic reach in search networks, paid advertising and reach in Social Media. We have managed to build a recognizable brand in Social Media, including: on TikTok, where we set trends related to foreign products. We are also gaining increasing popularity on YouTube and Instagram, and we are also present on Facebook.
– Influencer marketing includes all our clients who willingly show their packages, unboxing or product tests. Each of these channels equally affects our development and sales, which is why we actively develop in each of them. We are also developing our wholesale sales to provide our customers with access to products at stationary points. Thanks to a recognizable brand in Social Media, we are probably the only wholesaler in Poland that, in addition to a wide range of desirable products not available from other foreign wholesalers, also offers online promotion for a partner point.
Are you planning to expand into new markets?
KB: – We cannot reveal all our plans at this stage, but we have development plans for new markets. We are constantly updating our strategy, taking into account new sales channels. For Sklep Słodyczowo and our company, expansion into a new market includes, among others: new e-commerce Azjatu.pl, where we will focus mainly on Asian products and accessories for Asian cuisine.
How do you view the development of AI? Is this an opportunity or a threat for e-commerce?
KB: – We are optimistic about the development of AI in the context of the company's development. Currently, we are trying to use technological innovations and improvements in running several projects. The development of AI technology is helpful for us, among others: in automation, content creation, content marketing and building a leadership position in search networks. We are looking forward to further development of technology, which will help improve further processes in our company and contribute to the further development of our stores and brands.
