A half-baked spat between a retailer and Sturt Mall centre management has taken a bite out of local charities.
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The Sturt Mall yesterday confirmed it blocked one of its retailers from selling cupcakes to raise money for Vinnies and the Miss Wagga Quest.
The icing on the cake was the retailer was only asking for a gold coin donation for the cupcakes.
Sturt Mall centre manager Kane Harding said the shopping centre had a "blanket rule" on foods.
"We've got an understanding with all the retailers. If we were to offer cupcakes for one retailer, it takes away from Muffin Break and Donut King," he said.
"They are in a business as well."
Mr Harding said the shopping centre always had regular space for other fund-raising activities, but said it was "unfortunate we can't assist everybody."
The Marketplace's centre manager Maria Sharman has also shed light on the sometimes "tricky" life as the head of a busy shopping centre.
Ms Sharman said centre managers need to meet the evolving demands of retailers, which means protecting against loss of trade.
"We're here to ensure that they have a viable business," she said.
"It's not as easy and clear-cut as you think."
But the politics of centre managers doesn't concern the most important ingredient in the mix - the shopper.
Nat Haigh, who was holding three-month-old Liam, said the shopping centre spat takes the cake.
"I understand other businesses need to profit from their sale of cupcakes, but if it goes to a good cause, I don't see a problem," she said.
"Liam doesn't eat food yet, but I'm sure when he gets a bit bigger he's going to love cupcakes.
"Who doesn't love cupcakes?"
