Canada's first-ever KITKAT CHOCOLATORY opened its doors inside Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre last month, allowing visitors to create a variety of custom and artisanal treats to take home.
The retail space was first previewed at a 2018 pop-up, resulting in a new permanent location that offers over 2000 flavor combinations, limited-edition flavor rotations and even confection experiences lead by the boutique's Head Chocolatier. These experiences are hosted inside the boutique's open kitchen space and aim to showcase the KitKat brand's versatile product range. Going beyond the chocolate brand's traditional flavor offering, this retail space is immersive and all about personalization, making made-to-order confections accessible to the masses.
"KITKAT CHOCOLATORY is about creative expression and inspiring people to re-imagine the flavour possibilities at their fingertips," said Ryan Saunders, Vice President Marketing at Nestlé Canada about the brand's new retail venture.
Custom Chocolate Bar Boutiques
Yorkdale's KITKAT CHOCOLATORY is the First of Its Kind in Canada
Trend Themes
1. Custom Chocolate Boutiques - The trend of customizable chocolate boutiques is growing, offering customers unique and personalized confectionery experiences.
2. Artisanal Chocolate Flavors - The trend of offering limited-edition chocolate flavors that rotate creates a sense of exclusivity and encourages customers to revisit the boutique in search of new flavors.
3. In-store Experiences - The trend of in-store chocolatier experiences draws customers into the shop to see how their confections are made, increasing brand loyalty and creating unique and memorable experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - The retail industry can capitalize on the trend of customizable confections and immersive experiences by creating similar environments that offer unique products and experiences.
2. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry can incorporate limited-edition flavors and artisanal products into their menus, creating unique food experiences and drawing in customers with a desire for unusual and memorable dining experiences.
3. Tourism and Hospitality - Tourism and hospitality industries can benefit from creating partnerships with chocolatiers to offer unique in-store experiences for guests, increasing the value of their accommodations or destinations and giving customers unique and memorable travel experiences.