Dylan Lauren is a modern-day Willy Wonka; albeit a considerably more glamourous version. Dylan, the daughter of famed fashion designer Ralph Lauren, took a passion for candy and art and transformed it into a global candy empire.

She opened Dylan’s Candy Bar in 2001, which became an instant hit with adults and children alike. Today it is the largest candy store in the world.

With over 5,000 different types of sweets and chocolates to choose from, Dylan’s is every candy-lover’s dream come true.  It has five stores in the US.

Each store is filled from top to bottom with sweet treats including chocolate-filled cupcakes and whirly pop lollipops and stocks everything from speciality chocolates to retro candy and personalised gift baskets.  

However Dylan’s Candy Bar extends beyond candy and chocolate. It is so much more than just a novelty candy shop; it has become a brand in its own right.

Dylan’s offers an exhaustive portfolio of candy-inspired treats and services including apparel and accessories like t-shirts, hoodies, pillows, jewellery and beauty products. This accounts for 12 percent of the company’s sales, which equates to $25 million.

Dylan’s is a growing enterprise. Lauren has a flourishing online business and her stores not only host events but offer a popular private party planning service.

The Manhattan flagship store has acquired an alcohol license, which allows it to serve candy-themed cocktails as well as pizza, cupcakes and ice cream. There are rumours of a children’s book and a TV show.

Lauren has created a strong niche for herself in the candy world. She has won the prestigious Fashion Group International ‘Rising Star Award’ for Retail Design and was named one of Crain’s 40 under 40 rising stars.

Dylan’s Candy Bar has also received numerous Retailer of the Year awards and was recognised by the Association for Retail Environments Design Awards.Dylan now plans to expand her candy empire to major cosmopolitan cities in the US and worldwide.