Lolli and Pops sweets store opens in Stonebriar Centre

"We try to create an experience," he said. "Guests come over and over again and people get really get excited about the store."

Lolli and Pops, designed to resemble an old English apothecary, is like four stores in one. The main section of the store is flanked by sections dedicated to nostalgic and vintage candy brands, chocolate candies (150 different types) and gummy candies.

Sweets are researched and gathered from around the globe with quality and uniqueness in mind. Candies are from Australia, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Mexico and the list goes on. Lolli and Pops also carries a selection of Texas treats, and one of the most popular items in the store is a wide selection of truffles, which are also made in Texas.

"Whether it is local or global, we are busy finding the best stuff and putting it in the store," Gupta said. "If it's not the best of the best, we don't put it in the store."

Non-chocolate items sell for $5.50 for half a pound, and chocolate items sell for $7 for half a pound.

The store, which carries high quality gift boxes and specially made bags, is a popular place to buy gifts, Gupta said.

Gupta got into the candy business about six years ago, and after opening stores in Chicago, Oklahoma and California, is now expanding to Texas.

The store in Stonebriar Centre opened March 21, and Gupta said another store in San Antonio is soon to follow. More expansion plans are in the works, with a store near opening in Los Angeles and three or four more expected to open this year.

Lolli and Pops

Zone A, Level 2, Stonebriar Centre mall, 2601 Preston Road

www.lolliandpops.com