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e-News
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Giant candy store opens in Dubai |
| The 10,000-square-foot Candylicious is stocked with American novelties |
11.06.2009
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By Anna Wolfe
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates-After 10 months of planning, Candylicious, a 10,000-square-foot candy store, opened here inside the Dubai Mall Sept. 30.
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Calling itself "the largest candy store in the world," Candylicious is a new concept by Retail Is Detail LLC, based here. The company plans to use this launch as a springboard to unveil its Middle East expansion.
Retail is Detail describes Candylicious as a "concept representing fantasy, joy and irreplaceable childhood memories, combining candy and the world of imagination into a hip and fashion-forward store."
The colorful store features whimsical displays such as pillars embedded with candy, a 30-foot wide "chocolate" tree covered with lollipops, and a Candylicious airplane hanging above.
"Our goal was to create an entire confectionary experience for the customer," said Sunaina Gill, director of operations for Retail is Detail. "Candylicious is about buying things never seen anywhere else, and you can indulge in a royal offering of mouth-watering confectioneries from all over the globe."
The store is loaded with American specialty confections-many of which are making their UAE debut at Candylicious- Madelaine Chocolates, Rock Candy from Squire Boone Village, the handmade candy tiny delights from Miss Sweetie, and Ribbles and Fabrols from Gina Michaels. The store also carries every flavor of Jelly Belly Co.'s namesake candy and has a line of Vosges Haut-Chocolat. Chicago's famous Garrett Popcorn is popped on the premises and an old-fashioned soda fountain serves up nostalgic drinks.
Other U.S candy brands on the shelves include items that are mainstream in the U.S. market but specialties abroad- such as Hershey's Kisses and chocolate bars, and M&M's. The store features a wall of bulk candy - called Pick and Mix-stocked with gummy candies, peach rings, chocolate-covered candies and hard candies.
To stock Candylicious with famous and nostalgic U.S. candy brands, Gill said, "We have done a tremendous amount of research and been to candy fairs in Europe and the US. We are buying the candy direct from the suppliers."
Confections and chocolate sales remain strong in the UAE despite the global downturn. "The chocolate and candy business is doing well in the UAE," said Gill. "It is essentially recession proof and chocolates and candy are viewed as 'feel good' and 'affordable' treats." Retail is Detail currently does not operate any other specialty food stores and does have some restaurants.
At Candylicious, their mission is "to remind people how simple pleasures are always the best and the best simple pleasure in life is candy," she added.
The company plans to open more stores. The second location will open in Singapore in the Sentosa Integrated Resorts outside Universal Studios. "We are planning to open 10 to 15 stores in the GCC (the six nations that comprise the Gulf Cooperation Council) over a three to five year time period," she said.
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