You might’ve heard rumors: Is Lolli & Pops going out of business? For a lot of candy fans, this question isn’t just about where to buy a giant gummy bear. It’s also about the fate of one of the most colorful retailers at malls and airports across the country.
So, let’s break down what’s really happening with Lolli & Pops right now—no drama, just the facts. We’ll look at the company’s past brush with bankruptcy, their new owners, recent moves, and what the future holds.
The Lolli & Pops You Know
Lolli & Pops is kind of hard to miss if you’ve ever wandered by one of their stores. The brand made its name by lining bright, immersive shops with old-school candies, international sweets, and gift boxes that could make anyone smile. They opened their first shop in San Francisco in 2012 and quickly became popular for making candy shopping a memorable experience, not just a trip to the snack aisle.
After launching, Lolli & Pops started spreading fast. You’d spot their candy-scented stores popping up in all sorts of malls and shopping centers around the U.S.
But this growth wasn’t without speed bumps.
Bittersweet Times: Bankruptcy and Expansion Woes
Back in 2019, Lolli & Pops hit a major snag. They had grown aggressively, opening dozens of new locations in just a few years. That kind of expansion sounds exciting until costs pile up and some new stores don’t pull their weight.
By August 2019, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. If you’re not familiar, that’s the type of bankruptcy companies use to reorganize, rather than disappear completely. Basically, it’s a way to pause, reshuffle debts, and try to get the business back on track.
For Lolli & Pops, bankruptcy wasn’t the end. It was more like a messy reset button.
New Owners, Fresh Strategies
So, what happened after the bankruptcy filing? Lolli & Pops got a lifeline from TerraMar Capital, a private investment firm that specializes in helping companies through tough times.
TerraMar Capital stepped in and took ownership. Their strategy wasn’t about just keeping things afloat—they wanted to rebuild trust with shoppers and stabilize the wonky parts of the business. That meant closing underperforming stores, fixing supply chain issues, and rethinking the brand’s growth expectations.
For employees and loyal customers, this part of the story was kind of a relief. Lolli & Pops didn’t disappear; it just got a chance to catch its breath and rethink its next steps.
Buying a Sweet Competitor: The Hammond’s Candies Move
The biggest sign that Lolli & Pops isn’t going anywhere? The company has started buying other candy businesses.
In November 2024, Lolli & Pops acquired Hammond’s Candies—the Denver-based maker of gourmet hard candies and chocolates. For anyone who’s ever browsed candy store shelves, Hammond’s name carries some weight. They’ve been making hand-pulled candy canes and ribbon candy for over a century.
This wasn’t just about diversifying their candy bin. By picking up Hammond’s, Lolli & Pops added a trusted confectioner to their lineup, giving them better supply chain control and fresh product ideas for their stores.
The deal also expanded Lolli & Pops’ reach. Now, they weren’t just selling other people’s treats—some of the new sweets in their cases would come straight from their own factory.
Checking the Scene: Stores and Website Still Live
If you go clicking on their official website right now, you’ll find a store locator listing dozens of in-person shops from California to New York. Quite a few are inside airports, malls, and major shopping centers.
Their online shop is open, too. Customers can order candy boxes, chocolate truffles, and even international candies for delivery. You might even see new product collections and limited edition treats pop up as the year rolls on.
If Lolli & Pops were on the brink of closing, you’d expect their online store to start winding down—or at least see official “going out of business” sales. But none of that is happening. The digital side is running as usual, and social media channels show regular promotion of products and gift ideas.
Walk into one of their stores, and the lights are on. Employees are restocking shelves and offering free samples to shoppers young and old.
Growth Plans: Where Is Lolli & Pops Headed?
Instead of shrinking, Lolli & Pops is actually talking about—and acting on—expansion again. You’ll see news about new store openings in high-traffic malls and ongoing partnerships with candy makers and licensing partners.
The Hammond’s Candies acquisition is only one part of this. By having more control over candy production, Lolli & Pops can launch unique products, improve quality, and create more exclusive sweets for their own stores. That’s a big deal for holiday gift seasons, when customers want something they can’t get anywhere else.
There are also whispers of experimenting with new store formats, pop-up events, and special collaborations with beloved snack brands. Though not every detail is public, their business footprint is growing, not fading.
Industry watchers and store employees alike are optimistic. After weathering bankruptcy and restructuring, Lolli & Pops is trying a slower, steadier approach to growth. There’s more focus on what actually works—less chasing the “open as many stores as possible” strategy.
If you’re curious about how other sweets and gift retailers are handling the current market, there’s some useful coverage over at Serabusiness.com. They go into trends in retail, seasonal sales, and even how companies like Lolli & Pops adjust when the economy shifts.
Are There Any Signs of Trouble?
Some folks start to worry when a familiar store closes in their area. That’s normal in retail. Lolli & Pops did quietly close some stores in 2020 and 2021, but that was part of re-balancing after their bankruptcy shakeup. At the same time, they shifted focus towards strong-performing locations and online sales, which made sense.
Right now, there’s no evidence of widespread closures or liquidation sales. In fact, Lolli & Pops’ own press releases keep talking about growth, new product launches, and big candy holidays. They’re not hinting at winding down operations—quite the opposite.
Other online news outlets haven’t reported any recent layoffs, fire sales, or liquidation efforts. Instead, we see things like a new gourmet fudge line, cool in-store tastings, and creative partnerships with nostalgic candy makers.
Banks and suppliers watch these signals closely. So far, business reporters covering malls and specialty retail haven’t raised red flags about Lolli & Pops.
What About Competitors?
Of course, Lolli & Pops isn’t the only game in town when it comes to candy. There are small local shops, big chains, and online-only snack sellers. Still, Lolli & Pops managed to carve out a pretty unique spot by making their stores feel joyful and by stocking some really strange and wonderful sweets you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Retail in general isn’t easy—rising rents, hiring challenges, and shifts towards online shopping shake up the market every year. Some competitors have shut down under this pressure. Even so, Lolli & Pops right now is holding steady, with an eye towards careful expansion.
A Realistic Outlook: What Should You Expect?
If you’re a fan or just a casual mall walker, there’s good news. Lolli & Pops is not going out of business in 2025. Their doors are open, the website works, and their latest moves point to more growth, not a shutdown.
Sure, retail always changes, and nothing stays the same forever. Store locations might shift, menus can change, and the market does keep everyone on their toes. But as it stands, you don’t need to worry that one of the country’s quirkiest candy stores is about to vanish.
So the next time you’re at the mall or scrolling for a sweet gift, rest easy. Lolli & Pops is here for now—candy jars stocked, staff at the ready, and plenty of surprises still on the way.