First Candy Department Store to Open at American Dream

Triple Five, which is developing the approximately 3-million-square-foot American Dream shopping center announced the lease signing with IT’S SUGAR, a member of BBX Capital Corp. family of companies.

A rendering of the 22,000-square-foot IT’S SUGAR candy department store.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—Among the more than 450 retail and food shops that will eventually open at the American Dream shopping center here beginning this October, will be a 22,000-square-foot candy department store called “IT’S SUGAR.”

Triple Five, which is developing the approximately 3-million-square-foot American Dream shopping center announced the lease signing with IT’S SUGAR, a member of BBX Capital Corp. family of companies.

IT’SUGAR will unveil a completely unique retail concept that will span over three levels, making it the world’s largest non-manufacturer candy store. The first-of-its-kind department store is located within the entertainment atrium at American Dream, adjacent to the DreamWorks Water Park entrance and near Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and the property’s NHL-size ice rink. Upon entering the store, guests will be greeted by a 60-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty, made entirely from candy.

“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,” says Don Ghermezian, CEO, American Dream. “This entirely new concept will be a must- see, must-visit and must-taste for all looking to satisfy their sweet tooth.”

“This concept has been a dream of mine for over 25 years and our IT’SUGAR team is thrilled to partner with American Dream to finally make it a reality,” says Jeff Rubin, Founder and CEO, IT’SUGAR. “This location will feature over 10,000 choices of candy, showcasing shops such as Sour Patch Kids, Oreo, Nerds, Reese’s, Peeps, Pez, Starbursts, and more. 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.”

Founded in 2006 by candy veteran Rubin, IT’S SUGAR has become the largest specialty candy retailer in North America with more than 100 retail locations in 26 states, including locations in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Chicago.

Opening on Oct. 25, 2019, American Dream will include more than 450 retail, food and specialty shops that will be complemented by more than 15 entertainment offerings including a fully- enclosed DreamWorks Water Park and Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park; a 16-story Big Snow Indoor Ski & Snow Park; Kidzania; a live Performing Arts Theater; a 300-foot tall Observation Wheel; a Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Discovery Center; an Ice Rink (NHL- sized); and The Dining Terrace with more than 15 full service restaurants and the world’s only Munchie’s Food Hall.