Lolli and Pops and Powell’s Sweet Shoppe are merging.

Lolli and Pops currently has seven stores under its namesake brand, and 12 stores under the Candyopolis brand. This merger will bring an additional 16 locations under the Lolli and Pops umbrella.

The transaction creates one of the leading candy store chains in the United States, differentiated by its ability to enter markets with a three-tiered approach.

With a combined 35 stores and more coming, Lolli and Pops is looking to grow its portfolio of brands.

“Powell’s Sweet Shoppe has always been a great brand, but we’ve been missing structure and resources,” says Bear Silber, ceo of Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, who took over the store on August 1, 2013. He will remain with the company as president of Powell’s Sweet Shoppe.

“The merger with Lolli and Pops gives us the much needed resources to grow as a brand,” he says.

Sid Gupta, Lolli and Pops’ ceo, says the merger was a natural decision.

“Both companies share the same vision when it comes to service, selection and experience,” Gupta explains. “Once we recognized that, it was a natural decision to combine forces. We’re very excited about the Powell’s brand and the team of extremely passionate franchisees”

Through this merger Lolli and Pops will be better suited to enter new markets by choosing a brand that’s ideal for the community.

Together, their plan is to offer exceptional customer service, an award-winning confectionery selection, and an experience unlike any other.

Lolli and Pops was founded in 2012 with a mission to magically share the wonder of candy with the community and the world. The San Francisco-based company is a high-end purveyor of sweetness and confectionery treats offering shoppers more than 600 highly indulgent items for purchase. With stores in Texas, Illinois, Oklahoma, and California, Lolli and Pops is looking to add locations in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington.

Powell’s Sweet Shoppe was founded in 2003 by Michael Powell in Windsor, Calif., with the aim to walk customers down memory lane and remind them of good things and good times. Currently there are stores in California, Oregon and Idaho. Powell’s Sweet Shoppes carry all candies associated with childhood as well as gelato, soda and toys. The stores are wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling packed with sweets, color and fun.