**Eighty Years On: Iconic Pontypridd Sweet Shop Enters New Chapter as Community Hub**
A beloved Pontypridd landmark has entered an exciting new era after serving the community for over eight decades. The shop, long recognised for its unmistakable pink exterior and shelves brimming with traditional sweets, has seen a transformation both inside and out. Now named “Pinc”—inspired by the Welsh language—this family-run business is embracing its heritage while boldly stepping into a more inclusive and community-focused future.
Nestled on the high street in Treforest, the Pink Shop has been a fixture since the 1940s. Generations of locals recall visiting with friends and family, their pockets jingling with change ready to be spent on old-fashioned sweets. The shop’s identity has shifted with the times, seeing different owners and undergoing various upgrades, yet its signature pink façade and sugary offerings have always endured.
Today, Pinc is under the stewardship of Sian Perez and her sister-in-law Jazz Dicker, who are no strangers to supporting their community. The pair also run Crwban Care and Support, a Treforest-based service aiding adults with autism, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions. Born out of a family discussion during the pandemic, their care service has blossomed into a vital local resource. It now inspires their vision for the sweet shop—a space that values independence, inclusion, and connection.
Taking on one of South Wales’ oldest sweet shops, Sian and Jazz were motivated not only by nostalgia but by the opportunity to make a real difference. “Pinc was never really in our plans,” Jazz admits, “but we couldn’t pass up the chance. It’s a local treasure and we saw its potential as a hub—a place for our care service users to volunteer, gain skills, and feel a part of something truly special.”
With the rebrand, Pinc remains committed to its roots, continuing to sell an array of classic confections. But the shop now offers much more—a full menu for breakfast and lunch alongside freshly brewed coffee. Community reaction to the makeover has been enthusiastic, with many locals popping in to reminisce and even to ensure that the shop’s famous colour scheme was here to stay.
The transformation was very much a collective family endeavour. Katrina Morris—Sian’s sister and Jazz’s wife—now manages Pinc, overseeing day-to-day operations and the shop’s contemporary look. The staff includes both café professionals and support workers, who will receive barista training to better engage with volunteers and customers of all backgrounds.
An integral part of Pinc’s relaunch is its innovative volunteer programme. Many residents supported by Crwban have long sought meaningful opportunities, and Pinc aims to provide just that. Sian has been running workshops on interview techniques, CV writing and job applications to help prepare volunteers, who are now eagerly anticipating their new roles. “Some of our volunteers are so excited,” she says. “For many, this is their first opportunity to work in such a setting.”
Two early volunteers, Dylan and Declan, are already looking forward to getting involved—whether that’s mastering the coffee machine, working the till, or, in Dylan’s case, enthusiastically baking cakes (though he jokes about avoiding washing up). Their stories reflect the spirit of optimism and inclusion that Pinc now embodies.
But the vision reaches beyond creating jobs. The team behind Pinc also plans to host a variety of activities for people with additional needs and the wider community: from social events and group workshops to open mic nights and cooking classes. “We hope to be a place where there is always something happening—a true community hub for everyone, including vulnerable groups in Pontypridd,” Jazz says.
Initiatives such as “chatty hour”, where people can drop in for conversation to combat loneliness, underline this mission. Local support groups have expressed interest in using Pinc as a meeting space, reinforcing the shop’s emerging role as a cornerstone of community life.
As Pinc embarks on this bright new chapter, it does so in the spirit of family and inclusivity. The unique partnership between Sian, Jazz, and Katrina not only preserves a cherished piece of local history but sets a welcome precedent for what small businesses can achieve when they place care and community at their core. For Pontypridd and its residents, the rejuvenated Pink Shop looks set to sprinkle sweetness and support for many more years to come.