It’Sugar to make big splash in Times Square
It’Sugar is planning one of its largest pop-ups yet.
The specialty candy retailer will open a 20,355-sq.-ft. pop-up “candy department store” in New York City’s Times Square. The opening is planned for fall 2022.
The new candy emporium in Times Square will take over space on W. 42nd St. that formerly housed sporting goods retailer Modell’s. The store will combine It’Sugar’s signature larger-than-life in-store displays and immersive candy experiences with thousands of varieties of sweets and fun candy-themed gifts. Favorite candy brands will be brought to life with shop-in-shops and giant branded characters will be located throughout the space.
In April, It’Sugar opened an 11,400-sq.-ft. pop-up on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, on a site that was recently vacated by Disney. It was followed by a 10,600-sq.-ft. foot pop-up in San Francisco’s Union Square. The company said its pop-up locations generally have lease terms ranging from 13 to 36 months.
It’Sugar also operates permanent locations, including a three-level, 22,000-sq.-ft. location at American Dream, the 3 million-sq.-ft. mega-retail and entertainment center in East Rutherford, N.J. The company is expected to open its first store in Canada in the fall, at the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta.
“At It’Sugar, we have one of the most expansive assortments of confectionery treats, alongside a curated collection of in-demand licensed merchandise,” said Jeff Rubin, founder and CEO, It’Sugar, which operates 100 locations. “We created an environment that connects with our consumers and fosters the greatest feeling of happiness with over-the-top displays and a fun and playful vibe. Times Square shares our energy and spirit and is the perfect location for our next massive candy department store.”
According to the 2022 “State of Treating” report published by the National Confectioners Association, chocolate and candy sales grew 11% in 2021 compared to 2020 and by more than 15% compared to 2019. The total confectionery category reached nearly $37 billion in retail sales in 2021 and is projected to hit $44.9 billion in sales by 2026.
“It’Sugar puts the confectionery category on full display by combining the industry’s beloved products with a unique and innovative in-person retail experience and enhancing the magic related to shoppers’ favorite treats,” said John Downs, president and CEO of the NCA. “Consumers are prioritizing their emotional well-being now more than ever, and they are looking to lift their spirits – and It’Sugar and the confectionery companies are there to help with fun and creative ways to achieve that.”
IT’Sugar is a member of BBX Capital’s family of companies and a subsidiary of BBX Sweet Holdings.