THE Chester franchise of a popular sweet shop and party venue is still on the market.

Back in September, we reported that the current owners of Spavens in Hoole had put the business up for sale.

Blacks Business Brokers had been instructed to find a new operator to take over the franchise, seeking offers in the region of £75,000.

Last week, Spavens Chester confirmed that the asking price had once again been reduced and now stands at just under £35,000.

The franchise operates from both floors of a two-storey premises on Hoole Road, with the rent currently costing £308 per week.

The ground floor is home to a traditional sweet shop while the upper floor includes two craft rooms for hosting children’s parties, hen nights and other groups.

The Spavens brand has its origins in Mold, Flintshire, where it has been a fixture for more than 30 years.

The Chester franchise was established in 2017 by friends Clare Barlow, Jude Jones and Debbie Horncastle after the trio spent an afternoon at the Mold shop and noticed a sign advertising the opportunity to set up a new franchise.

The business is currently operating online as the premises remains temporarily closed due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

In the latest update, Spavens Chester posted on its Facebook page: "Hello lovely customers. We’ve reduced the price for our lovely little business once again!

"Fancy a career change or a new start? We hope that our happy little shop will pass into the hands of an equally enthusiastic owner who can continue to grow and develop the business that has a bright future beyond Covid. It could be you!"