A local candy shop announced Friday that it is closing its doors in two weeks, and leasing officials are looking to fill the retail space.

Fizzys Soda Pop & Candy Shop, located in the Racine Commons shopping center at 250 Racine Drive, Suite 4, will close on Jan. 26 after more than two years in business, according to a news release.
 
Company officials cited family matters and the loss of a major supplier as reasons for closing the store, a specialty soda and candy shop that carried at one point more than 250 rare brands from all over the U.S.
 
“Since a buy-out and subsequent closure of our primary distribution center early last year, it has been difficult to obtain most of the more popular premium glass-bottled sodas we have become known for and [made up] half of our business, and much of the specialty candy that our customers want, at a workable price point,” the statement said. “Our costs for products have risen considerably since February. We have managed to hold the line on our pricing, but don’t feel we could continue to do so if going forward.”
 
The store is currently holding a going out of business sale during which customers can receive up to 25 percent discounts on store’s items, according Fizzys’ Facebook page.
 
Fizzys drew customers from around the Carolinas, including Fayetteville, Myrtle Beach and Raleigh, the news release stated.
 
Steve Hall, a broker with Wilmington-based Maus Warwick Matthews & Company that oversees leasing for the property, said Friday that he is working to fill the 1,320-square-foot retail space with a new tenant.
 
Fizzys’ lease expires in June, Hall said, adding that the store is obligated to pay on its lease through then until another tenant agrees to take over the space.
 
“We’re looking to backfill the space with a tenant that does not compete with existing tenants in the center,” Hall said.
 
Hall said the center, which will fall from to 100 percent occupancy to 97 percent, continues to receive increased interest from potential retailers and eateries.
 
He expects the unit to fill quickly given its location between University of North Carolina Wilmington and a number of large-scale power centers that have access to Racine Drive.  
 
Meanwhile, planning continues for the shopping center’s expansion – it’s third and final phase.
 
Hall said a single-user tenant is looking to occupy the build out at 240 Racine Drive.
 
While Hall could not disclose the potential user, he said the proposed tenant would be a good match for the development.
 
“We’re getting a lot of phone activity,” Hall said of the future phase and Fizzys’ retail unit. “We expect the center to fill quickly.”