American Dream’s Giant Candy Store Opening Delayed

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - The world's first candy department store was scheduled to debut during American Dream's official grand opening Friday, but it has been pushed back.

During the Meadowlands mega-mall's first day open, the IT'SUGAR store was still undergoing construction and remained under wraps.

On Monday, American Dream referred inquiries on the opening date to IT'SUGAR and a representative from the candy retailer did not respond to a request for comment.

However, NJ.com has reported that the store will make its big reveal on Nov. 7, though IT'SUGAR did not give the newspaper a reason for the delay.

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The store, which IT'SUGAR described as a "completely unique retail concept," will span 22,000 square feet over three floors – making it the world's largest non-manufacturer candy store.

Upon entering, shoppers will be greeted by a 60-foot-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty – made entirely from candy. The store will feature over 10,000 choices of candy, showcasing brands such as Sour Patch Kids, Oreo, Nerds, Reese's, Peeps, Pez and Starburst.

IT'SUGAR will be located in American Dream's entertainment atrium, which houses the DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and an NHL-size ice rink.

Jeff Rubin, who founded IT'SUGAR in 2006 and is currently the chief executive officer, said creating a candy department store "has been a dream" of his for over 25 years.

The candy retailer has more than 100 locations across the country, however the American Dream store would be the first IT'SUGAR in northern New Jersey.

For now, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and an NHL-size ice rink are ready for the public. Other attractions, shopping and dining will follow over the next several months at the $5 billion mall.

Here's what will open later:

Nov. 27

DreamWorks Water Park, an indoor water park that will include the world's largest indoor water coaster, a free fall slide with a 70-foot drop, a lazy river and a 1.5-acre wave pool.

Dec. 5

Big SNOW, the country's only indoor real-snow park, will open. It will offer skiing, snowboarding, introductory lessons, private coaching, children's programs, snow play, corporate team building and private events within its 180,000-square-foot, 16-story, climate controlled facility.

March 2020

• The mall's 350 retail stores
• More than 100 dining destinations – which include three food halls, a food court and nearly two-dozen full-serve restaurants
• SEA LIFE Aquarium
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center
• CMX Luxury Movie Theater
• Kidzania
• The mall's Observation Wheel

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What Venues Can You Look Forward To?

Future tenants that have been revealed so far include:

• Arc'teryx
• Grisini Coffee Shop, Food Hall and Market
• Munchies Food Hall
• ClimbZone
• Mirror Maze
• Angry Birds miniature golf
• A Coca Cola partnership that includes a restaurant, a social media storefront, green rooms and events featuring celebrities.
• The Dining Terrace
• Kosher Food Hall
• H Mart
• Performing Arts Center
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Barneys New York
• Tiffany & Co.
• Dolce Gabbana
• Watches of Switzerland
• Hermès
• Moncler
• Fourpost
• Aland
• Uniqlo
• Zara
• H&M
• Victoria's Secret/Victoria's Secret Pink
• Primark
• Century 21
• Banana Republic
• Aritzia
• MAC Cosmetics
• Sephora
• IT'Sugar
• For The Win