AFTER four years selling sweets from across the world at Coventry Market, popular shop ‘Maverick Flavours’ will be closing for the last time on Christmas Eve.
Alex Ricardo, also known as Maverick, started the business from his van back in 2018, selling relatively unknown sweets, drinks and snacks from across the world to local people.
After deciding to go full-time when his Instagram account hit 10,000 followers, Alex then opened a shop at Coventry Market.
Alex said: “My daughter was due at the time and I was working full-time, but I actually quit my job to chase after this so it was a big risk.
“I am so thankful to everyone that shared my Instagram page and spread the word of my stall, I didn’t expect our social media to explode like that but the people in Coventry were so helpful.”
Maverick Flavours now has 37,000 Instagram followers as well as its own app, and Alex has taken part in many big events and collaborated with several celebrities.
But rising competition from bigger brands and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis has resulted in Alex closing the shop, although he said he’s determined to keep the business going online.
Alex added: “It’s been such a crazy few years and I’ve loved every minute of it, but it’s got to the point where not many people are spending money in the city centre in general, and costs are going up so I need to explore other avenues.
“I’m so grateful for all the help I’ve received, especially from my partner Leigh and our children Isla and Reece.
“It’s a shame, I never wanted to see this shop go, but when I posted we were closing on social media we got such amazing feedback so I’m excited about the future.”
