Iconic Pennsylvania chocolatier, Gardners Candies, has made a triumphant return to the Johnstown Galleria, marking a new chapter for both the beloved brand and the revitalized mall. Chief Operating Officer Jim Westover reports a remarkable 30% sales increase compared to their previous location, highlighting the success of this homecoming.
 
The store’s success has been organic from day one, with no need for extensive advertising. Westover attributes this to the mall’s strong word-of-mouth reputation and vibrant social media presence. “From day one, it was as if we never left,” he remarked.
 
The store, which held its grand opening on September 23, 2023, serves as more than just a retail outlet. Westover describes it as an “incubator” for testing new products, pricing strategies, and combinations before wider distribution. This approach allows Gardners to refine their offerings and expand their reach, complementing their existing partnerships with retailers like Sheetz and other national retailers.
 
This incubator concept offers valuable lessons for businesses primarily focused on online sales or partnerships with other retail outlets. A physical store in the Galleria provides a unique opportunity for face-to-face customer interaction, allowing companies to gather direct feedback, test new concepts, and gauge market response in real-time. Even for businesses with a strong online presence, this physical touchpoint can be instrumental in perfecting product offerings, developing new items, and understanding customer preferences.
 
Westover enthusiastically praises mall owner Leo Karruli’s management style, stating, “Leo’s accessibility is truly remarkable. His willingness to work with businesses and offer flexible lease options, including month-to-month arrangements, essentially eliminates risk for new ventures. It’s rare to find an owner so directly involved and supportive of tenants’ success.”
 
The Gardners COO emphasizes that success in the Galleria is directly tied to a store’s offering. “We invested significant time and energy into our decor to ensure our store feels like a premium outlet,” Westover explains. “For anyone considering opening a business here, it’s crucial to understand that your success depends on presenting an offering that matches the mall’s aesthetic and justifies your pricing. Simply setting up shop isn’t enough – you need to create an experience that resonates with the discerning Galleria customer.”
 
Employees have also expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback about the new location, praising the mall’s decor, safety, and clientele. The new store offers a wide range of products, including their famous Original Peanut Butter Meltaways®, chocolate-covered pretzels, assorted creams, and chocolate-covered nuts. Plans are underway to reintroduce ice cream and expand their gift offerings.
 
Looking ahead, Gardners is gearing up for an exciting celebration of National Peanut Butter Month in November, featuring enticing giveaways for Galleria shoppers. There will be lots of giveaways with a grand prize of a year’s supply of Original Peanut Butter Meltaways® for one lucky winner, promising to draw even more foot traffic to both Gardners Candies and the Galleria.
 
”The Johnstown area deserves thriving businesses, and the Galleria offers a unique opportunity for success. I wholeheartedly encourage other companies to join us here – there’s no downside, especially with the holiday season approaching.” – Jim Westover, Gardners COO