Exciting New Candy Stores Coming to Outer Banks
Hello, Outer Banks! There’s some delicious news that’s sure to sweeten your day. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth as three new candy shops are set to open in our beloved area. Can you believe it? That’s right! In the near future, we will welcome two Sugar Planet locations in Kitty Hawk and Corolla, along with a Sugar Kingdom store in Avon.
More Sweet Options for Everyone
Right now, Outer Banks is home to two existing Sugar Planet stores located at 6901 S. Croatan Hwy in Nags Head and 1600 S. Croatan Hwy in Kill Devil Hills. Regional Manager, Naor Hilel, recently confirmed that these new additions are expected to be ready for us by May or June of 2024. Yum! Can you imagine the delightful aromas and colorful candy displays? It’s exciting to think about!
Kitty Hawk’s New Store Update
The new Sugar Planet location in Kitty Hawk is almost finished! Located at 5201 N Croatan Highway, just across U.S. 158 from the former Sentara Medical Center, it promises to be a go-to destination for candy lovers this summer. Construction has been active, and while there hasn’t been much communication lately with the town’s Planning and Inspections department, they’re apparently still working under the original permits issued back in August 2022.
Corolla’s Transformation in Progress
Over in Corolla, the Sugar Planet store is getting a glow-up as well. Situated at 510 Hunt Club Dr., renovations are underway for this impressive two-story, 7,700-square-foot commercial building at the entrance of The Currituck Club. Hilel mentioned that they’re in the process of adding new paint and signage, which will surely enhance the shopping experience. It’s definitely going to look stunning!
Meanwhile, Avon Welcomes Sugar Kingdom
In addition to Sugar Planet, candy lovers in Avon will soon have a new destination with Sugar Kingdom opening up at 40220 N. Carolina Hwy 12. The new location, formerly a Pirates Beachwear store, is creating quite a buzz in the community. Unfortunately, updates regarding this store have been trickier to find, as repeated attempts to get in contact with their representatives haven’t been successful. It’s still in the works, but hopefully we’ll have more details soon!
History and Changes in the Candy Store Scene
Fun fact: the two current Sugar Planet stores in Dare County were once known as Sugar Kingdom before rebranding over the last year. There’s definitely an air of excitement surrounding the sweet scene here in Outer Banks!
Community Reactions
However, not everything has been smooth sailing. The arrival of these candy shops has stirred conversations in the community, with some residents voicing concerns that it contributes to the “Myrtle Beachification” of Outer Banks. While some are excited about the new options, others are worried about losing the unique charm that makes our area special.
The Local Government Stance
Officials, like Rob Testerman from Kitty Hawk, have reassured residents that the town is limited in what it can do. They’ve adhered to zoning requirements and had no legal grounds to deny any of the new stores as they fit within permitted use. In light of feedback from residents, the town plans to revisit its land use plan to better maintain Kitty Hawk’s beloved character in the future. It sounds like they are working on a suitable path forward!
Looking Ahead to Sweet Adventures
As we all gear up for these tasty additions to the Outer Banks, there’s plenty to be excited about! Whether you’re a candy connoisseur or just someone looking for a special treat, these new stores are sure to become popular spots. Mark your calendars, plan some sweet outings, and get ready to indulge in all the sugary goodness!
Keep an eye out for more updates as these shops get closer to opening their doors. We can’t wait to see you there!
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
