Hershey's Times Square Equals Candy Heaven

The retailers in Times Square know that to lure visitors, the store itself must be an attraction in itself. The façade of the Hershey’s Times Square store soars 16-stories and utilizes their iconic brands to resemble a candy factory in motion to become a tourist magnet since it opened in 2002. As hundreds snaps photos of the shop, it’s free advertising for the candy maker that is priceless.

The store’s façade measures 215-feet high and 60-fee wide and is one of the largest ever constructed in Times Square. Four steam machines and over 4,000 chasing lights accompany the monster size versions of Hershey’s iconic candies.

Reese’s, Almond Joy, Kisses, Bliss, Kit Kat, Mounds, Twizzlers and York Peppermint Patties line the shelves of the white-bright interior. Pick up a snack size to consume immediately or a bag to share with friends. Probably the best souvenirs or gift items are emblazoned “Times Square” or “New York” on the packaging. Gift tins, mugs, t-shirts and stuffed animals are other options. The store is also a launching pad for limited editions and new brands not found elsewhere (see the next post about Dagoba Chocolate).

Some visitors choose to pick up a bucket of they personal candy favorites using the “Original Automatic and Gravitational Chocolate Machine”. Spin the gears and the candy flows down twisting chutes that are ceiling high and funneled to a waiting bucket below.

The Times Square location was Hershey’s first major store to open outside of its home Hershey, Pennsylvania. Retail locations now are open in Chicago, Niagra Falls, Shanghai, Dubai and Singapore.

Hershey’s Times Square is located at the 48^th and Broadway corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and open daily 10am-10pm. Visit thehersheycompany.com for more information.