South Shields' built-up area had an estimated population of 74,784 at the ONS mid-2024 estimate, making it the largest town in South Tyneside.
Market Place and Maynard's of Ocean Road
South Shields Market Place is one of the oldest open-air markets in the North East, still held in the traditional square around the eighteenth-century Old Town Hall. Nearby, Ocean Road grew into the town's main shopping street after being extended seaward from King Street in 1861, prospering further once a new railway station opened on Mile End Road.
One of Ocean Road's longest-running traders was Maynard's, a sweet shop recorded at number 58 in 1905 and still trading — from a different unit on the same street — as late as 1980. It's long gone now, and nothing has taken its place as a dedicated confectionery specialist on that scale.
What the market and the old shops never covered
Even at its peak, Ocean Road's sweet trade was built around a counter and a paper bag, not bulk. Vegan-specific ranges, halal-friendly selections, and full trade cases for a business or event were never what a market stall or a high-street shop held in stock.
Why South Shields shoppers order online now
With no dedicated bulk confectioner left in the town centre, ordering online and having it delivered is the straightforward option for anything beyond a bag from the market or the supermarket aisle.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, South Shields included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to South Shields?
Yes — UK-wide, including South Shields, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
Was there a historic sweet shop in South Shields?
Yes — Maynard's traded on Ocean Road from at least 1905 into the 1980s, but it's long closed.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in South Shields?
Not locally — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to South Shields addresses instead.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.