I love shops that sell only one thing – the opposite of one-stop shopping! There are still lots of ultra-specialized stores in Madrid selling just gloves, knives or capes.
Caramelos Paco sells sweets – almost exclusively hard-boiled sweets and lollipops to be specific, although they do carry some other candy, such a marshmallows or “clouds” as they are called in Spanish, and licorice. They have a huge range that includes sugar-free and gluten free well as all the usual flavours.
I love the way Spanish stores have window displays full of whatever product is for sale inside; I don’t know why, but I find them incredibly appealing. Paco’s display is spectacular, and leaves no doubt as to what they sell. When I was learning Spanish, I would amuse myself by going in shops like this and asking, “Do you sell sweets?” or whatever. Sometimes they’d get my stupid sense of humour…
Caramelos Paco has been a part of La Latina for over 80 years now, and I hope this sweet traditional shop will continue to brighten up Calle Toledo for many years to come.
