Government action forces beloved lolly shop to close

The sweet taste of nostalgia is turning bitter for many South Australians as Smyth’s Confectionery, a beloved Adelaide lolly shop, faces closure after more than a century in business.

The reason? A major road construction project by the state government is forcing the confectionery manufacturer to vacate its premises.


Smyth’s Confectionery: A Century-Old Legacy

Smyth’s Confectionery has been a staple of South Australia's business scene since 1910. The lolly shop has been selling its popular Christmas Mixture bags in grocery stores such as Coles and Woolworths.

The factory, located in inner Adelaide, has been in operation for more than 100 years now. It is a symbol of the city's industrial heritage and a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional confectionery.

However, the state government's decision to add another lane along the bustling South Road has put the future of this iconic business in jeopardy.


Screenshot 2023-12-13 084710.png
Famous for its Christmas mixture, Smyth’s Confectionery is being relocated by the South Australian government. Image: Smyth’s Confectionery


The expansion project, part of changes to Adelaide’s North-South Corridor, is set to impact several businesses situated along the strip, including Smyth’s Confectionery.


Peter Smyth, the company’s owner and great-grandson of the original founder, is currently in negotiations with the South Australian government. Despite involving lawyers to reach a resolution, the outlook appears grim.

The business is likely to shut its doors permanently in June next year, with redundancies already in progress.

'We’re not selling. We’re being extinguished by the government,' a disheartened Mr Smyth told a news source.

Mr Smyth had requested the government to fund the relocation of the factory, but it seems the authorities are not inclined to provide financial assistance.


'Financially, they weren’t keen to help us relocate. They’re not obliged to either under law,' he said.

Faced with the prospect of moving the factory at his own expense, Mr Smyth has decided against relocation.

'At the end of the day, it was forced upon us. But it was ultimately our decision not to relocate,' he added.

The Impact on the Community

The closure of Smyth’s Confectionery is not just a loss for the company's employees and loyal customers; it also represents the fading away of a piece of Adelaide's history.


The factory has been a part of the city's landscape for over a century, and its disappearance will undoubtedly leave a void.

The South Australian government's road expansion project, which aims to improve traffic flow by adding a third lane for southbound traffic, is estimated to cost state taxpayers $9.5 million.

While the project may bring about improved infrastructure, it also serves as a stark reminder of the cost that progress can sometimes exact on local businesses and communities.

Until June next year, Smyth’s Confectionery factory will continue to operate at full production, providing its customers with their favourite sweets for a little while longer.


However, the looming shutdown serves as a bitter reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses in an ever-changing landscape.

The story of Smyth’s Confectionery is a reminder for governments to consider the impact of their decisions on the local economy and heritage. After all, progress should not come at the cost of erasing a city's history and culture.

Key Takeaways
  • Smyth’s Confectionery, a historic candy maker in South Australia, is being forced to close due to a major road construction project.
  • The state government's plans to add a lane along South Road, impacting businesses including Smyth’s Confectionery, were announced in October.
  • The company's owner, Peter Smyth, is in negotiations with the government but believes closure is likely due to the lack of government support for relocation costs.
  • The factory is set to close in June next year, with workers already notified.

What are your thoughts on this issue, dear readers? Have you ever tasted the sweet delights of Smyth’s Confectionery? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below.
 
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Do I don't think I have. This reminds me if Darrell Lea shops in Sydney, which I worked for many years ago.
It felt like overnight every single shop closed down.
Now certain items of Darrell Lea are now sold in supermarkets eg Rocky Road and Licorce but most other items are gone eg coconut marshmallows and peanut brittle.

Maybe they will also start selling the popular items through supermarkets
 
The sweet taste of nostalgia is turning bitter for many South Australians as Smyth’s Confectionery, a beloved Adelaide lolly shop, faces closure after more than a century in business.

The reason? A major road construction project by the state government is forcing the confectionery manufacturer to vacate its premises.


Smyth’s Confectionery: A Century-Old Legacy

Smyth’s Confectionery has been a staple of South Australia's business scene since 1910. The lolly shop has been selling its popular Christmas Mixture bags in grocery stores such as Coles and Woolworths.

The factory, located in inner Adelaide, has been in operation for more than 100 years now. It is a symbol of the city's industrial heritage and a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional confectionery.

However, the state government's decision to add another lane along the bustling South Road has put the future of this iconic business in jeopardy.


View attachment 37448
Famous for its Christmas mixture, Smyth’s Confectionery is being relocated by the South Australian government. Image: Smyth’s Confectionery


The expansion project, part of changes to Adelaide’s North-South Corridor, is set to impact several businesses situated along the strip, including Smyth’s Confectionery.


Peter Smyth, the company’s owner and great-grandson of the original founder, is currently in negotiations with the South Australian government. Despite involving lawyers to reach a resolution, the outlook appears grim.

The business is likely to shut its doors permanently in June next year, with redundancies already in progress.

'We’re not selling. We’re being extinguished by the government,' a disheartened Mr Smyth told a news source.

Mr Smyth had requested the government to fund the relocation of the factory, but it seems the authorities are not inclined to provide financial assistance.


'Financially, they weren’t keen to help us relocate. They’re not obliged to either under law,' he said.

Faced with the prospect of moving the factory at his own expense, Mr Smyth has decided against relocation.

'At the end of the day, it was forced upon us. But it was ultimately our decision not to relocate,' he added.

The Impact on the Community

The closure of Smyth’s Confectionery is not just a loss for the company's employees and loyal customers; it also represents the fading away of a piece of Adelaide's history.


The factory has been a part of the city's landscape for over a century, and its disappearance will undoubtedly leave a void.

The South Australian government's road expansion project, which aims to improve traffic flow by adding a third lane for southbound traffic, is estimated to cost state taxpayers $9.5 million.

While the project may bring about improved infrastructure, it also serves as a stark reminder of the cost that progress can sometimes exact on local businesses and communities.

Until June next year, Smyth’s Confectionery factory will continue to operate at full production, providing its customers with their favourite sweets for a little while longer.


However, the looming shutdown serves as a bitter reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses in an ever-changing landscape.

The story of Smyth’s Confectionery is a reminder for governments to consider the impact of their decisions on the local economy and heritage. After all, progress should not come at the cost of erasing a city's history and culture.

Key Takeaways

  • Smyth’s Confectionery, a historic candy maker in South Australia, is being forced to close due to a major road construction project.
  • The state government's plans to add a lane along South Road, impacting businesses including Smyth’s Confectionery, were announced in October.
  • The company's owner, Peter Smyth, is in negotiations with the government but believes closure is likely due to the lack of government support for relocation costs.
  • The factory is set to close in June next year, with workers already notified.

What are your thoughts on this issue, dear readers? Have you ever tasted the sweet delights of Smyth’s Confectionery? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below.
I think the decision to not assist with relocation is a disgrace and a blight on this Govt! It's not just the business owners suffering here, it's the loss of jobs in what has been a long standing successful business and the flow on effects from that closure!?
 
If the factory is a historic site then the Heritage people should step in and declare it so and stop the Gov from making a mess of the whole area. Motorcars rule the roost in this state it appears.
 
The sweet taste of nostalgia is turning bitter for many South Australians as Smyth’s Confectionery, a beloved Adelaide lolly shop, faces closure after more than a century in business.

The reason? A major road construction project by the state government is forcing the confectionery manufacturer to vacate its premises.


Smyth’s Confectionery: A Century-Old Legacy

Smyth’s Confectionery has been a staple of South Australia's business scene since 1910. The lolly shop has been selling its popular Christmas Mixture bags in grocery stores such as Coles and Woolworths.

The factory, located in inner Adelaide, has been in operation for more than 100 years now. It is a symbol of the city's industrial heritage and a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional confectionery.

However, the state government's decision to add another lane along the bustling South Road has put the future of this iconic business in jeopardy.


View attachment 37448
Famous for its Christmas mixture, Smyth’s Confectionery is being relocated by the South Australian government. Image: Smyth’s Confectionery


The expansion project, part of changes to Adelaide’s North-South Corridor, is set to impact several businesses situated along the strip, including Smyth’s Confectionery.


Peter Smyth, the company’s owner and great-grandson of the original founder, is currently in negotiations with the South Australian government. Despite involving lawyers to reach a resolution, the outlook appears grim.

The business is likely to shut its doors permanently in June next year, with redundancies already in progress.

'We’re not selling. We’re being extinguished by the government,' a disheartened Mr Smyth told a news source.

Mr Smyth had requested the government to fund the relocation of the factory, but it seems the authorities are not inclined to provide financial assistance.


'Financially, they weren’t keen to help us relocate. They’re not obliged to either under law,' he said.

Faced with the prospect of moving the factory at his own expense, Mr Smyth has decided against relocation.

'At the end of the day, it was forced upon us. But it was ultimately our decision not to relocate,' he added.

The Impact on the Community

The closure of Smyth’s Confectionery is not just a loss for the company's employees and loyal customers; it also represents the fading away of a piece of Adelaide's history.


The factory has been a part of the city's landscape for over a century, and its disappearance will undoubtedly leave a void.

The South Australian government's road expansion project, which aims to improve traffic flow by adding a third lane for southbound traffic, is estimated to cost state taxpayers $9.5 million.

While the project may bring about improved infrastructure, it also serves as a stark reminder of the cost that progress can sometimes exact on local businesses and communities.

Until June next year, Smyth’s Confectionery factory will continue to operate at full production, providing its customers with their favourite sweets for a little while longer.


However, the looming shutdown serves as a bitter reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses in an ever-changing landscape.

The story of Smyth’s Confectionery is a reminder for governments to consider the impact of their decisions on the local economy and heritage. After all, progress should not come at the cost of erasing a city's history and culture.

Key Takeaways

  • Smyth’s Confectionery, a historic candy maker in South Australia, is being forced to close due to a major road construction project.
  • The state government's plans to add a lane along South Road, impacting businesses including Smyth’s Confectionery, were announced in October.
  • The company's owner, Peter Smyth, is in negotiations with the government but believes closure is likely due to the lack of government support for relocation costs.
  • The factory is set to close in June next year, with workers already notified.

What are your thoughts on this issue, dear readers? Have you ever tasted the sweet delights of Smyth’s Confectionery? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below.
There goes another link to this country's proud manufacturing past! We buy Smyth's every Christmas looking forward to that nostalgic memory of our childhood when Granma would proudly display them in cut glass bowls.
 
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It's not a store, it's a factory. Much more complicated and miles more expensive than simply just opening a store.
Exactly - big difference there mlt. I have not seen these in Woolies - I buy them from IGA QLD and we love them at Xmas every year and now I have to tell the other half enjoy this year as it is your last.
 
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This is the start of many closures...... the rent is the killer added to that the drop in unit sales.
the only reason stores stay open is because they are committed to a lease or because they have no idea that they are running at a loss.
 
The SA Gov't should pay compensation to this SA Historic Company for forcing their closure and causing staff redundancies.....what sort of support is that showing to business operators in SA.......the Government should be ashamed of themselves.
 
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The sweet taste of nostalgia is turning bitter for many South Australians as Smyth’s Confectionery, a beloved Adelaide lolly shop, faces closure after more than a century in business.

The reason? A major road construction project by the state government is forcing the confectionery manufacturer to vacate its premises.


Smyth’s Confectionery: A Century-Old Legacy

Smyth’s Confectionery has been a staple of South Australia's business scene since 1910. The lolly shop has been selling its popular Christmas Mixture bags in grocery stores such as Coles and Woolworths.

The factory, located in inner Adelaide, has been in operation for more than 100 years now. It is a symbol of the city's industrial heritage and a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional confectionery.

However, the state government's decision to add another lane along the bustling South Road has put the future of this iconic business in jeopardy.


View attachment 37448
Famous for its Christmas mixture, Smyth’s Confectionery is being relocated by the South Australian government. Image: Smyth’s Confectionery


The expansion project, part of changes to Adelaide’s North-South Corridor, is set to impact several businesses situated along the strip, including Smyth’s Confectionery.


Peter Smyth, the company’s owner and great-grandson of the original founder, is currently in negotiations with the South Australian government. Despite involving lawyers to reach a resolution, the outlook appears grim.

The business is likely to shut its doors permanently in June next year, with redundancies already in progress.

'We’re not selling. We’re being extinguished by the government,' a disheartened Mr Smyth told a news source.

Mr Smyth had requested the government to fund the relocation of the factory, but it seems the authorities are not inclined to provide financial assistance.


'Financially, they weren’t keen to help us relocate. They’re not obliged to either under law,' he said.

Faced with the prospect of moving the factory at his own expense, Mr Smyth has decided against relocation.

'At the end of the day, it was forced upon us. But it was ultimately our decision not to relocate,' he added.

The Impact on the Community

The closure of Smyth’s Confectionery is not just a loss for the company's employees and loyal customers; it also represents the fading away of a piece of Adelaide's history.


The factory has been a part of the city's landscape for over a century, and its disappearance will undoubtedly leave a void.

The South Australian government's road expansion project, which aims to improve traffic flow by adding a third lane for southbound traffic, is estimated to cost state taxpayers $9.5 million.

While the project may bring about improved infrastructure, it also serves as a stark reminder of the cost that progress can sometimes exact on local businesses and communities.

Until June next year, Smyth’s Confectionery factory will continue to operate at full production, providing its customers with their favourite sweets for a little while longer.


However, the looming shutdown serves as a bitter reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses in an ever-changing landscape.

The story of Smyth’s Confectionery is a reminder for governments to consider the impact of their decisions on the local economy and heritage. After all, progress should not come at the cost of erasing a city's history and culture.

Key Takeaways

  • Smyth’s Confectionery, a historic candy maker in South Australia, is being forced to close due to a major road construction project.
  • The state government's plans to add a lane along South Road, impacting businesses including Smyth’s Confectionery, were announced in October.
  • The company's owner, Peter Smyth, is in negotiations with the government but believes closure is likely due to the lack of government support for relocation costs.
  • The factory is set to close in June next year, with workers already notified.

What are your thoughts on this issue, dear readers? Have you ever tasted the sweet delights of Smyth’s Confectionery? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below.
The Government of Adelaide should come to the party of relocation of the lolly shop. They buy peoples homes up in Queensland when thy need to demolish properties for new roads. It would be ashame to not have the Christmas mix. This product has been around way before I was born, but Mum would buy them every Christmas. And I look forward to buying the for my kids and grandkids. I will miss you Smyth's Confectionary. I think you will be missed by a huge amount of people. Come on Adelaide get behind this lolly shop to get the government to move them at least. And come on everyone on Seniors Club, lets get behind there plight to get them moved to a great location where they won't get in the way of the government.
 
Exactly - big difference there mlt. I have not seen these in Woolies - I buy them from IGA QLD and we love them at Xmas every year and now I have to tell the other half enjoy this year as it is your last.
Husband loves the Christmas Mix me not so much but we buy them every Year, he would buy them all year if they were available. Think I will buy extra this year put the pkts in a box and wrap them for him as a Christmas present
 
The sweet taste of nostalgia is turning bitter for many South Australians as Smyth’s Confectionery, a beloved Adelaide lolly shop, faces closure after more than a century in business.

The reason? A major road construction project by the state government is forcing the confectionery manufacturer to vacate its premises.


Smyth’s Confectionery: A Century-Old Legacy

Smyth’s Confectionery has been a staple of South Australia's business scene since 1910. The lolly shop has been selling its popular Christmas Mixture bags in grocery stores such as Coles and Woolworths.

The factory, located in inner Adelaide, has been in operation for more than 100 years now. It is a symbol of the city's industrial heritage and a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional confectionery.

However, the state government's decision to add another lane along the bustling South Road has put the future of this iconic business in jeopardy.


View attachment 37448
Famous for its Christmas mixture, Smyth’s Confectionery is being relocated by the South Australian government. Image: Smyth’s Confectionery


The expansion project, part of changes to Adelaide’s North-South Corridor, is set to impact several businesses situated along the strip, including Smyth’s Confectionery.


Peter Smyth, the company’s owner and great-grandson of the original founder, is currently in negotiations with the South Australian government. Despite involving lawyers to reach a resolution, the outlook appears grim.

The business is likely to shut its doors permanently in June next year, with redundancies already in progress.

'We’re not selling. We’re being extinguished by the government,' a disheartened Mr Smyth told a news source.

Mr Smyth had requested the government to fund the relocation of the factory, but it seems the authorities are not inclined to provide financial assistance.


'Financially, they weren’t keen to help us relocate. They’re not obliged to either under law,' he said.

Faced with the prospect of moving the factory at his own expense, Mr Smyth has decided against relocation.

'At the end of the day, it was forced upon us. But it was ultimately our decision not to relocate,' he added.

The Impact on the Community

The closure of Smyth’s Confectionery is not just a loss for the company's employees and loyal customers; it also represents the fading away of a piece of Adelaide's history.


The factory has been a part of the city's landscape for over a century, and its disappearance will undoubtedly leave a void.

The South Australian government's road expansion project, which aims to improve traffic flow by adding a third lane for southbound traffic, is estimated to cost state taxpayers $9.5 million.

While the project may bring about improved infrastructure, it also serves as a stark reminder of the cost that progress can sometimes exact on local businesses and communities.

Until June next year, Smyth’s Confectionery factory will continue to operate at full production, providing its customers with their favourite sweets for a little while longer.


However, the looming shutdown serves as a bitter reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses in an ever-changing landscape.

The story of Smyth’s Confectionery is a reminder for governments to consider the impact of their decisions on the local economy and heritage. After all, progress should not come at the cost of erasing a city's history and culture.

Key Takeaways

  • Smyth’s Confectionery, a historic candy maker in South Australia, is being forced to close due to a major road construction project.
  • The state government's plans to add a lane along South Road, impacting businesses including Smyth’s Confectionery, were announced in October.
  • The company's owner, Peter Smyth, is in negotiations with the government but believes closure is likely due to the lack of government support for relocation costs.
  • The factory is set to close in June next year, with workers already notified.

What are your thoughts on this issue, dear readers? Have you ever tasted the sweet delights of Smyth’s Confectionery? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below.
Just proves my point that any form of government is not up to the mark.
 
I haven’t tasted these sweeties, but it doesn’t really matter what the shop sells….or what the factory produces…. Fact is that it’s been in business for a very long time, being productive and providing jobs….and I think it’s just shocking that the Government can strong arm them out, with no compensation at all for the stock they might loose and the fixtures and fittings that will be redundant, never-mind the loss of peoples livelihood. We are harking back to feudal times where the King and his Nobles are todays Government dictating what they want, and we are akin to the serfs, who have no say and must obey…….
 
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