A new shop is opening in Helston today offering a range of imported goods.

From American sweets, to alcohol from abroad and a range of CBD products, owners Michael and Becky Gilchrist hope to offer items that cannot be found elsewhere in the town.

And yes, for those growing up in the 90s, that includes the US classic sweet Jolly Ranchers, which disappeared from UK shelves to much upset from a generation of teenagers.

Gilchrist Exotics launches today (Saturday) at the top of Meneage Street, situated between The Glam Room and Daisy Chain.

Michael said: "The vision behind the shop is to bring some new products to Helston. There's a lot of people around here that can't get the things they want, or can't get what they used to if they came from up country.

"We want to offer more exotic things – drinks from America and the Caribbean, American sweets, and snacks from the US and Caribbean, and also CBD.

"That's a new market where that we're looking to move in to and introduce people in the region to it."

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as cannabis or hemp. It is legal in the UK, provided it contains no THC – the element in the cannabis plant that gets people high.

Among the sweet treats also imported from America are Nerds, Warheads, Butterfingers and the leading US sweet brand Mike and Ike, as well as some unusual twists on UK favourites, such as key lime pie flavoured Kit Kats.

Testing out the range have been some willing helpers in the form of Michael and Becky's three children.

And for the adults, for anyone who has enjoyed a drink abroad but been unable to find it back home in the UK, Michael and Becky hope to be able to fulfil that gap in the market.

For Michael, who studied business at university, it is the realisation of a long-held ambition.

"I've always wanted to own my own business and see what it's like. You have got to experience it to know what it's like," he said.

The business developed in lockdown, initially online, in April this year, before the couple found the shop available in town.

"It's been an idea for years, but it was not until lockdown that we had a chance to think about it and say we're going to try it," added Michael.

While products are being imported through wholesalers, Michael also hopes in the future to bring back items directly from traders in the Caribbean.

The shop will be open Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 5pm, with the possibility of opening Sundays depending on trade.

"We just want people to come and have a look, and see what we stock, and hopefully find something they like – and also bring their own ideas," added Michael.