All wrong. It is a candy store. That is right! However, not just any candy store. It is the largest candy store in the world, according to Dylan Lauren the brainchild of Dylan's Candy Bar. A self proclaimed candy addict and the daughter of legendary fashion designer and businessman, Ralph Lauren.

"I always had a sweet tooth and found candies all around the world that I collected like art, but felt there was a need for others to see and taste them in America," explains the young entrepreneur. So she combined her passion for art and candy and created a retailing environment that looks like it was designed by Walt Disney, Andy Warhol and a major flair of fashion thrown into the mix.

The first and flagship store is located on Third Avenue in New York City and sells everything from branded T-shirts to mints. It opened on October 13, 2001 and it was a challenging time for Lauren. The city was concerned about another terrorist attack and it was creating a difficult economic environment. Builders, landlords and tradesman were working slowly and cautiously. Deliveries were moving at a lethargic pace to the store and doubts of success seemed more prevalent during this time of chaos. Additionally, was a high-end candy store really necessary in a city filled with confections on every street corner? Well, that is exactly what the city needed during its mental rebuilding period. A place that was happy, nostalgic, brought back sweet memories, and could allow you to forget your daily problems once you walked inside.

The mega candy store in Manhattan is stocked with thousands of products ranging from candy scented spa products to candy theme hats. Candy is absolutely everywhere, including in the steps as you go from the main level to the downstairs portion of the store. The ten foot candy canes and enormous chocolate bunny rabbit are just a few of the out of the ordinary merchandising props that Lauren uses to make the store feel like an entertainment park.

In the past six years, the candy guru, has opened up five more stores. One as close as East Hampton and as far away as Houston. There are over 200 employees and her goal is to open more stores throughout the United States and internationally, focusing on major cosmopolitan cities and luxury resort towns. Two cities that are of particular interest to Lauren are Tokyo and London. These hip towns were actually part of her inspiration in opening her first store. "I think it is best received in cosmopolitan areas where there is walking traffic and people willing to spend. Its a luxury candy/gift store," describes Lauren.

However, besides the traditional selling of product in the stores, Dylan's Candy Bar has an online presence which represents a nice chunk of the business and the revenue from it continues to double every year. The site has shipped goods to places as far away as Israel, Japan, England, etc., and many customers use it as their lifeline for hard to find Dylan's Candy Bar labeled products. Additionally, Lauren explained that she wholesales products to department stores, hotels and restaurants.

Oh and if you think the petite Lauren is not a big personality in the candy industry with influence, you better reconsider. Dylan's Candy Bar has been known to launch products for manufacturers, including new flavors for Jelly Belly, Garbage Pail Kids Gum, Bazooka's Juicy Drop Pop, and re-launch of many other products. Manufacturers outside of the confectionary business have used the star power of Lauren and her store to launch fragrances and martini drinks.

Lauren describes herself as a micro-manager and says, "I am involved in everything, but my primary role is to make sure - whether we are designing product, buying product, hosting an event in the store, marketing something - that it is all in line with the Dylan's Candy Bar brand and consistent." She visits the New York City store an hour here and there and maintains an office down the block. "During the day I usually meet with my buying team to pick new products and design cool stuff. I do store walk throughs to make sure statements are organized and clean." However, when not in the store, her office or attending meetings outside the office, she can be found working in the park or at a coffee shop. "No days are the same. I love the constant change," states Lauren.

Dylan's Candy Bar is a privately owned business and financial figures were not revealed; however, sales have doubled since the founding of the business. She also mentioned that her private label Dylan's Candy Bar sells roughly 3,000 pieces a week.

Ask her how old she is and she will tell you, "Women never have to reveal their age and in the candy biz, everyone is always a child at heart." Hopefully, her heart will never grow old and she will be able to keep opening up Dylan's Candy Bar stores all over the world.

Dylan Lauren was interviewed by Jay C. Pearlman for this article. For more information on Dylan's Candy Bar please visit www.dylanscandybar.com.