CEO Today USA Awards

CEO Today USA Awards 2019 www.ceotodaymagazine.com - N E W Y O R K - 81 DYLAN’S CANDY BAR In 2001, Dylan Lauren pioneered creating the world’s largest confectionery emporium and lifestyle brand, Dylan’s Candy Bar. By merging the worlds of art, fashion and pop culture with candy, Dylan’s Candy Bar has innovated the way we see candy today. With a mission to awaken the creative spirit and inner child in everyone, Dylan’s Candy Bar surrounds customers with the most imaginative, state-of-the-art decor and product mix. Dylan’s Candy Bar transports its guests to a modern day version of Willy Wonka’s factory the moment they enter. Its pop art installations—such as the iconic oversized lollipop tree, candy cane columns, dripping chocolate shelves, kaleidoscopic candy wallpaper and candy-embedded staircases—embody the pinnacle of “retail-tainment.” The ultra-sensory experience is enhanced with delectable smells, a candy timeline and a vast milieu of candy songs and commercials awarding customers not just a sugar high, but a sweet lasting euphoria. Dylan’s Candy Bar houses over 7,000 confections, boasting the largest, unparalleled selection of candies and candy-related gifts from around the world. It is a museum of candy where each piece is literally curated like precious art. The whimsical displays highlight the vibrant colors, textures, eye-popping graphics, creative packaging, gorgeous patterns and distinctive shapes of candy. Dylan’s Candy Bar is the launching pad for new candy innovations and one-of-a kind items. There are Dylan’s Candy Bar (private label) products, a large assortment of rare American nostalgic favorites, novelty items, imported specialty sweets and dazzling confections for every holiday. In addition to the 7,000 edible treats, there are also candy-inspired lifestyle products. From stationery to technology, toys to plush, jewelry to handbags, scented body lotions to sweaters, Dylan’s Candy Bar cures any fashion craving. Several locations also include an Ice Cream & Dessert Parlor and party rooms offering a wide variety of themed events for all ages. Dylan’s Candy Bar redefines itself regularly, changing its assortment and window displays according to the themes of holidays or cultural events. It’s guaranteed to melt the hearts of even the most sophisticated, seen-it-all shoppers. Dylan’s Candy Bar plans to continue expanding worldwide. Since the birth of the original flagship in New York City, Dylan’s Candy Bar has opened in cosmopolitan U.S. locations such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and East Hampton. Dylan’s Candy Bar also has distribution in luxury boutiques, leading department stores, and premium hotels nationally and internationally. Dylan’s Candy Bar locations have become the most popular destination for the ultimate sugar rush. In fact the flagship store in New York City has remained on a variety of “Top 10” lists of New York City tourist attractions since its inception, welcoming over 2 million visitors per year. Dylan’s Candy Bar appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds, which explains the brand’s impressive fan base of over 200 celebrities and influencers. Fans include Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Janet Jackson, David Beckham, Steven Spielberg, Al Pacino, Hugh Jackman, and Tom Cruise. DYLAN LAUREN Dylan Lauren is an American entrepreneur and owner of the world’s largest candy store ‘Dylan’s Candy Bar’ in New York City. She is the daughter of fashion designer Ralph Lauren. She grew up as a tomboy with a desire to beat her brothers in everything they did and became active in sports at a very young age. During her school days, she became the captain of her school’s volleyball team and also played other sports like tennis while showing off some of her father’s special creations. After graduating from Duke University, she worked as an event planner before opening her own store ‘Dylan’s Candy Bar’ in 2001 in New York City. She was inspired to open a candy store after watching the movie ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’ on her sixth birthday. Her store has been designed with a goal to merge fashion, art, and pop candy culture. She married her long- time boyfriend and hedge fund manager Paul Arrouet in 2011, in Bedford, NY. The couple has fraternal twins who were born via surrogacy. In addition to the 7,000 edible treats, there are also candy-inspired lifestyle products.