World’s First Candy Department Store Announces NJ Opening

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ – IT’SUGAR, the country’s largest candy retailer, plans to unveil the world’s first “candy department store” at American Dream when the mega-mall opens in October.

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.

“Our team is thrilled to partner with American Dream to finally make it a reality,” Rubin said. “There is nowhere else like American Dream and we look forward to immersing the property’s millions of guests into the world of IT’SUGAR.”

Don Ghermezian, CEO, American Dream, said, “We’ve all heard the expression ‘like a kid in a candy store’ – but this larger-than-life candy experience will exceed all expectations for those who are young and young at heart. This entirely new concept will be a must-see, must-visit and must-taste for all looking to satisfy their sweet tooth.”

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.

Employees are still being hired to work at the American Dream store and IT’SUGAR has two recruitment events scheduled this month.

Both events will be held Aug. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel, 2 Meadowlands Plaza, East Rutherford, NJ and will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The retailer is looking for assistant managers, an operations manager, stock associates and a talent acquisition specialist. Interested candidates should fill out an application online first.

When the American Dream opens Oct. 25, the 3-million square foot mall will contain more than two-dozen restaurants, a Coca-Cola-branded food court and three food halls, giving patrons altogether more than 100 options for dining.

It was originally slated to open in 2017, but Triple Five pushed back the completion date due to difficulties it faced securing the financing.

The $5 billion mall will contain more than 450 retail, food and specialty stores and more than a dozen entertainment venues, such as indoor amusement and water parks, an aquarium, a performing arts theater and an ice rink.

A few highlights include: Nickelodeon Universe theme park with the steepest roller coaster in the world, the first indoor ski and snowboard park in the Western Hemisphere, and first Sea Life Aquarium in New Jersey with a walk-through, saltwater tunnel.

The opening of the aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center will not occur until early 2020, NJ.com reported recently.

Luxury retailers include Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, Watches of Switzerland, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Uniqlo, H&M, and Zara.