But Arctic Sweets is no ordinary confectionery.
Arctic Sweets: A Taste of the World in Every Bite
Kaylee Hancock, owner of Arctic Sweets, named her store after its specialty: freeze-dried candy. But Arctic Sweets is no ordinary confectionery. While it stocks some traditional sweets, most of its inventory is imported from Asia. A dedicated section highlights the country of origin for its snacks, including Korea, Japan, Italy, Sweden and Germany.
Korean potato chips and Japanese Kit Kats are among the standout offerings, while white chocolate Ritz crackers have become customer favorites. For those craving American-made treats, Jersey Girl cheesecakes provide a delicious option.
Arctic Sweets also carries an assortment of unique toys, including 3D fidget creations made by Hancock’s father, Mark Trimeloine. The store also stocks foreign-made LEGO sets, catering to collectors and kids alike.
Born and raised in Prescott, Hancock sought to introduce something different to Pine Ridge Marketplace. “I’m also excited about the other new stores that came in because anything that comes in helps bring in more customers,” she said. “We are starting to see more return customers.”
Most of Arctic Sweets’ customers are school-age children, though parents have also taken a liking to the international snacks and fruit drinks. “We’re doing well since we’ve opened because people like that we have items that they haven’t seen before,” said Hancock. “We never have the same thing. We’re constantly changing.”
One of the store’s biggest draws is its Mystery Boxes, which contain a mix of freeze-dried candy and foreign snacks, offering an element of surprise with every purchase.
RCDC Market: Miniature Cars, Maximum Passion
RCDC Market is another new addition to the mall, catering to automobile enthusiasts with an impressive selection of 1/64th-scale cars and trucks. Owner Mike Bowman, a lifelong car buff, has amassed an inventory of more than 1,500 miniature vintage and contemporary vehicles.
While most models range from $20 to $30, some are available for as little as $3, while high-end collector’s items can reach up to $20,000. Each die-cast model is intricately detailed, with some featuring moving parts.
Bowman previously ran a successful store in Chandler but relocated to escape the desert heat. “Our sales are almost as good here as they were in Chandler,” he said. “This is working out perfectly.”
One of RCDC Market’s standout features is a vehicle track in the center of the store, where kids can test out the miniature cars before purchasing. Bowman hopes to spark in younger generations the same passion he developed as a child playing with Hot Wheels. “I was playing with Hot Wheels as a kid and I never grew up,” he said.
Bowman himself drives a BMW M3 and owns a die-cast replica of the model – the very first of the 30,000 ever produced. He boasts the largest collection of miniature BMWs in the world. “I’m as passionate about my tiny cars as the people who go to the car shows,” he said.
Like Hancock, he appreciates the increased foot traffic brought by the other new businesses in Pine Ridge Marketplace.
Wynn Witty Works: Custom Creations with a Personal Touch
Located near the food court, Wynn Witty Works operates both a booth and a store, specializing in custom t-shirts and mugs. The shop also offers a range of drinkware, including 40-ounce cups, bottles, kids’ mugs and teapots, along with Christian-themed merchandise.
Breanna Wynn, the assistant to her mother, store owner Jennifer Wynn, recently earned two degrees in accounting and management from Yavapai Community College. She plans to apply her business knowledge to help grow Wynn Witty Works, which is a family-run business that also includes Jennifer’s sister.
“We’re a Christian-based store, so we offer some things that you cannot get anywhere else,” Breanna said, adding that the shop attracts customers of all ages.
While Jennifer and her sister handle the designs, Breanna prefers focusing on sales and customer interactions. “I like the interaction with people and I want to help grow the business,” she said.
Prescott Bodywork Center: Healing Through Gentle Precision
Prescott Bodywork Center offers a different kind of experience, specializing in Bowenwork, a gentle, non-invasive technique designed to rebalance, realign and restore the body. Suitable for individuals of all ages, Bowenwork aims to activate the body’s self-healing mechanisms, providing relief from various conditions and promoting overall well-being.
With these four businesses bringing fresh energy to Pine Ridge Marketplace, the mall is seeing a boost in visitors eager to explore the new and unique offerings. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Photo by Stan Bindell: Arctic Sweets owner Kaylie Hancock offers a tasteful trip around the world.
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