To ask about the candy stores on Oxford Street?

[Goostacean]

I counted 13 American-style, big, bright, touristy candy stores on Oxford St between Marble Arch and Oxford Circus. Why are they all there?! I never see anyone in them. How are they affording the rent? It’s got to be a front for something surely...? Any ideas?

Good question! They’ve really boomed in London over the last few years it’s ridiculous!

Dunno. But they were open during lockdown!

They were popular a good few years ago, but I am at a loss why they are still around and still so plentiful. Probably are a front for something, yes. I always found them strange as they were full of brands/flavours etc that I have never actually seen here in the US.

Yes, very dodgy.

I always assumed they were some dodgy organised crime thing

I used to like them when they had the pick and mix jelly belly jelly beans but now it seems all pre packed.

The used to be an eyebrow waxing place on Oxford st which charged £5 a wax and I was always the only person in there…I always thought that was some sort of money laundering thing.

I will be going up west again just for the sole reason of them being there. I love sweets made with cinnamon. Have a craving for Hot Tamales and cinnamon Mentos. Weird there are so many though.

I read an article that said that the largest tourist market in London was from the USA (pre-covid this was). Not sure how true that is, and no idea how those shops are surviving. Hersheys for a start is vile IMO!

It was mad they were open during lockdown, on the basis they were selling ‘food’ presumably.

I wonder if some are in units due for demolition (so temporary leases at reduced rates?) as there’s lots changing as a result of Crossrail.

They are so expensive. Dd loves Cheetos that are not readily available in the U.K. they were almost £15 a pack in one of the stores. No way. Usually feel ripped off paying about £7 for them.

I think it money laundering, that way they can show a source for income.
I think the same of those tatty souvenir shops that no-one seems to use.

American sweets are a massive you tube sensation.

It's my hobby spotting money laundering 'businesses' - about 10 so far in our small provincial town. I enjoy the mental maths: counting numerous staff based in a prime location yet few obvious customers.

I always assumed money laundering. There's lots of random "clothes" shops in the back streets too that don't seem to be the kind to afford rates there either. Dodge.

Yes, money laundering. It’s on Reddit, so it must be true.

Iiiiinteresting. Glad we’re not the only ones thinking this! So, money laundering?

Cross-post!

I have wondered the same, and assumed drugs and possibly prostitutes might be involved

Jesus people; money laundering, prostitution? Maybe they're just selling marked up sweeties.

Where does the money come from that needs to be laundered? Like drugs? Or prostitution? So can you explain the whole economic cycle? Someone grows or smuggles in drugs, distributes them, cash in. Opens shop and pretends the money comes from retail. Then what...pays tax on it??

Not so much about tax but rather paying into a bank account

Well yes, they pay tax and it is then legitimate.

There are a few places in my nearest city that can’t be making money, yet they carry on.

@Goostacean

I counted 13 American-style, big, bright, touristy candy stores on Oxford St between Marble Arch and Oxford Circus. Why are they all there?! I never see anyone in them. How are they affording the rent? It’s got to be a front for something surely...? Any ideas?

Dunno about the candy stores but the tourist tat places were definitely a front for organised crime. Private Eye ran a series of exposés.

It’s just really bizarre that there are so many of them in the same place and they’ve all popped up at once.