With a diverse background in retail and marketing, Erica Sullivan is smart enough to know that even with a product line that is highly desirable, arguably healthy when enjoyed in moderation and wickedly addictive, she still needed to establish a retail location in the right, high-profile location.

After weeks of searching, the new owner of Castle Hill Chocolate has found that perfect niche - right between high-traffic retailers CVS and Dunkin' Donuts, and among other retail and food service businesses at the busy Newtown Shopping Village.

"I come from a family of retail owners - antiques, women's clothing and a vintage clothing store, which I'm still a partner in," she said. "We moved to Newtown five months ago and I noted there was no chocolate shop - which I thought was very strange."

The chocolatier, who currently is working to keep the shelves well stocked with treats from across the country and as far away as Normandy, France, is targeting July for the launch of her own line of sweet treats. In the meantime, she is doing what many small businesses must do to ensure a successful launch and a sustainable future: walking the tightrope to ensure a optimal balance between supply and demand.

"We opened just before Mother's Day, and we virtually sold out," Ms Sullivan said during a recent visit to the cozy and bright storefront. "And we've come close to selling out a couple of times since."

That is because without the current ability to work in-house producing confections, she must anticipate demand and order accordingly, typically up to two weeks in advance, she explained.

From scrumptious and gorgeous "painted" fudge sticks to the almost too-cute-to-eat animal-shaped truffles, every day and every delivery brings either a new dessert adventure or something her rapidly expanding customer base is craving.

Think you have to walk on by because of a peanut or other nut allergy, or you are a strict vegetarian? Come on by, because Ms Sullivan offers sweet little truffles that are peanut-, tree nut- and gluten-free, and vegan. Flavors include milk chocolate, salted caramel and dark raspberry.

While the hyper-local-focused retailer does not sell via the Internet, Ms Sullivan and her staff are happy to dish out a sample or two, or create a small party favor or gift box in various sizes that make perfect gifts for grads, dads, housewarmings, summer parties, corporate and employee appreciation premiums or any occasion.

While her prime business period begins cranking up in October and extends through Mother's Day, during the upcoming slow summer period Ms Sullivan said she wants to carefully select store staff, and to get to know the needs of each and every customer who comes in for a taste.

"I knew before we even found this space that I wanted it to have a boutique feel, and I didn't want to bring in just any old chocolate," she said. "It has to be chocolate that is premium, visually appealing, great for gifts, incredible tasting, wholesome, organic when available, and that took a lot of figuring out. It turns out we've been pretty successful."

Castle Hill Chocolate has something for everyone, with price ranges from around $1 up to a larger box with a wide variety of sample that can run upward of $30 and up. She is always seeking new artisan chocolate vendors, and is particularly seeking a vendor from Connecticut.

She is also planning to partner with nonprofits for fundraising, hosting birthday parties and is planning several wine tasting fundraisers with specially paired chocolates to match the vintages being offered.

Castle Hill Chocolate is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and from noon to 4 pm on Sundays; holiday hours will vary.

Keep up to date on the newest items on the store's shelves by following the business on Facebook, or call 203-270-1199.

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