SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Last year the city of Syracuse was ranked one of the worst cities for dating in the country, but it doesn’t seem to be affecting sales according to the local shop owner of Sweet on Chocolate.
The biggest issue facing the new shop owner, Adam Mazzoni, is a lack of millennial interest and consumerism. The shop does very well with customers generally ranging from around 30 to 50 during the big seasons of Christmas and Valentines Day, but it seems high school and college age students do not have the time or funds to purchase chocolates from a homemade shop, said Mazzoni. He plans to extend the shop’s reach to that younger demographic by enhancing its social media presence.
“You could have an employee that helps out around here but is also really good at social media. And also I don’t always have the time to dedicate to making up a really wild and wacky post. Sometimes it’s just like ‘AHH’ picture of truffles – cool,” said Mazzoni when asked about how he plans to engage on social media. Most likely, it would be a younger employee who fits the demographic, he said.
Another demographic Mazzoni said the shop struggles to reach during the Valentines Day season is those who are not in a relationship or do not have a “valentine.” He plans to promote Valentines Day as more than just for couples. He wants to promote self-love and friendship as part of the day.
“There’s nothing wrong with that, right? Having Valentines Day for people not in a relationship with a valentine. How come it can’t be like a treat yo-self kind of day where it’s like ‘I’m gonna get together with my friends.”
Mazzoni said he wants to see how his first Christmas and Valentines Day as owner of Sweet on Chocolate goes before making any permanent plans and deciding which demographic to focus on first.
