Läderach, a chocolate retailer in Switzerland, has opened their largest global flagship store yet – in Midtown Manhattan. The largest swiss chocolatier is betting on brick-and-mortar with its third US location and 100th store worldwide. The company has opened 12 new stores in six different countries this year alone. This serves as Läderach’s biggest growth initiative since they entered brick-and-mortar retail in 2004.
The 2,500 SF one-story NYC flagship is nearly triple its typical store size. The store features a rotating cocoa-bean sculpture with real chocolate. To add to the experiential elements, shoppers can watch live chocolate production demos and take classes.
“We really see a demand for physical chocolate experience. The experience has to do with all the senses… Premium chocolate purchase is so impulse driven. People still want the physical stores. It’s very important,” said Johannes Läderach, the 34-year-old Chief Executive Officer, whose grandfather founded the business in 1962.
Brick-and-mortar has become essential to the success of Läderach’s business. The chocolatier’s other NYC location, on Lexington Ave, has already recovered 75% of its prior sales after being closed for months at the start of the pandemic.
This growth surges comes at a time where people want to spend money to boost their moods and lighten perspectives – which is perfect for the chocolate business.
“People want to treat and indulge themselves,” Läderach said.
The retailer expects to open as many as 35 stores in the US. This expansion would give the US the potential to overtake Germany and become its second largest market after Switzerland.
Source: Swiss Chocolatier Läderach Opens NYC Flagship – Forbes
Photo Credit: Swiss Chocolatier Läderach Opens NYC Flagship – Forbes
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About Läderach – chocolatier suisse
Operating since 1962, Läderach – chocolatier suisse is a family-owned premier Swiss chocolate company. As the largest chocolate retailer in Switzerland with 100 stores worldwide, Läderach is renowned for creating the freshest, responsibly sourced artisanal chocolates in Switzerland, if not the world. Product quality is reflected in Läderach’s complete control of the entire value chain and its guarantee to use only the best ingredients for their products. Läderach produces over 100 varieties of chocolates, including over 20 varieties of FrischSchoggi™ (fresh chocolate in Swiss German), over 50 different pralines and truffles, dozens of confectionery specialties, and a large selection of seasonal creations. To learn more, visit www.laderach.com
