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RETAIL REVIEW 48 • SHOPPING CENTER BUSINESS • December 2016 wanted people to be able to tell as soon as they walked into the door that this was a place that cared about delivering an experience." The store stocks a variety of sweets made by artisans around the world in col- laboration with Lolli and Pops. "I looked at the sweets category, and I couldn't un- derstand why people were selling bottom of the barrel stuff," says Gupta. "We had an opportuni- ty to go and source product from around the world and develop our own products, which I think are world class." These prod- ucts range from a break- fast in bed truffle line — featuring flavors like mi- mosa, French waffle and blueberry scone — to a line of sea salt caramels utilizing dif- ferent upscale sea salts found around the globe. "We find famed artisans through- out the globe who make incredible stuff, and we partner with them to make our branded product," says Gupta. "It really brings a unique and innovative voice to the market." The experience continues with the em- ployees, who are trained and dressed to fit the authentic nature of the store. "You can tell the minute you walk into the store by the way our magic makers are dressed — from their hats and oxford shirts, to bowties and aprons — that they're there to play the part," says Gupta. "I think that's a huge part of setting the stage, and then we really empower our team to delight. We have an unlimited sharing policy, so guests can come in and try as many things as they want." In four years, the brand has grown from one location to 37 corporately owned locations nationwide. "I think Lolli and Pops has been a real breath of fresh air in the retail space where everything is moving online," says Gupta. "We have spent zero dollars on marketing; it's all happened organically. I think we've done that because we really believe that brand experience trumps everything. You have to deliver an experience to succeed in retail." Fifty percent of Lolli and Pops shop- pers are women between the ages of 20 and 45. With that target in mind, the company seeks out retail locations with a large amount of millennials and moms, or people who love to gift, with heavy foot traffic. "In the sweets business, you have a lot of low-ticket purchases, so we need a large volume of people to pass by our doors to really have a great store," says Gupta. "Our stores are typically 2,000 square feet, although I'm very proud to share that in Union Square in San Francisco we are opening an 8,000-square-foot flagship store with our offices above." In late October, the company launched an e-commerce operation, giving shop- pers the opportunity to send customized gifts online. The company is also em- barking upon its first airport location this month in Minneapolis, and continues to seek out great locations nationwide. "We've got some very interesting things going on with our new gifting offering at www.lolliandpops.com and our expan- sion into airports," says Gupta. "We think that both are going to be a fabulous way to extend our brand. We're really excited to see what the future holds for Lolli and Pops." SCB Lolli and Pops offers a range of unique candies, from a 'breakfast in bed' truffle collection to an upscale sea salt caramels line. HISTORY CULTURE TRANSIT THINK LEBANON Fst E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T Cedar City Lebanon sits in the heart of Middle Tennessee and is one of the South's most beautiful residential areas. Located just minutes East of Nashville on Interstate 40, providing you easy access to everywhere. We are committed to fostering a positive business environment with a "Business Concierge Program," which strives to provide you with an unmatched level of personalized service. GROW WITH US Sarah Haston Economic Development Director 615.443.2839 Ext. 2120 www.lebanontn.org