Sweet deal: Hershey’s Chocolate World opens at New York-New York

The Strip got a whole lot sweeter Tuesday as Hershey’s Chocolate World debuted at New York-New York.

“This is the meeting of American icons — the Las Vegas Strip, Hershey’s and the New York-New York skyline,” said Lael Hunt, director of U.S. retail and special projects for the global Hershey’s experience. “We couldn’t have chosen a better location.”

The 13,000 square foot, two-story shopping destination is home to an 11-foot, 800-lb. Statue of Liberty replica hand carved from Hershey’s Milk Chocolate and the Empire State Building comprised of 1,800 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bars, as well as dispensaries where shoppers can choose their favorite Hershey’s Kisses and Jolly Rancher flavors.

Hershey’s Chocolate World also offers Wrap Happiness, which allows customers to take a photo at their iPad station or upload an existing photo onto a milk, dark or cookies n’ creme Hershey’s bar for $9.95 each.

“So far everyone loves it and it’s a great birthday or even wedding gift,” said Brandon Becker, a Wrap Happiness sales associate.

Aside from the large assortment of chocolate, customers can also browse a selection of T-shirts, stuffed animals, mugs and key chains, as well as try baked goods such as a York Peppermint brownie sandwich, Hershey’s chocolate chip scone and s’mores cupcake. There’s even someone on hand to make fresh s’mores with a blow torch.

“It smells sweet, and I love the Hershey’s Kisses dispensers,” said Steven Nye, a sales associate at Stupidiotic, next door to Hershey’s Chocolate World at New York-New York. “This is definitely a hot tourist destination and it’s a great addition to something that’s already great. Plus, with M&M’s World across the street, they’ll be a little competition.”

Cynthia Kiser Murphey, president and chief operating officer of New York-New York, said the idea to add Hershey’s Chocolate World to the hotel and casino began six years ago in Times Square.

“We were looking for unique venues and while in Times Square we saw the Hershey’s Chocolate World all lit up at night and we knew we needed to have one of those here,” she said. “Chocolate appeals to everyone from ages 4 to 104 and it’s something that’s comfortable and common so we knew it would be successful.”

New York-New York is adding two new restaurants, Tom’s Urban and Shake Shack, in December.

Contact reporter Ann Friedman at afriedman@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0391. Follow @AnnFriedmanRJ on Twitter.