Channel 5 apparently understands that after two days of forced family fun and lukewarm turkey leftovers, the only cure is a sugar rush of epic proportions. “World’s Biggest Sweet Shop at Christmas” takes us on a global tour of confectionery excess, exploring how three mega-retailers handle the holiday hysteria. Prepare for a cavity-inducing journey through a trifecta of sugary wonderlands: It’Sugar in New York, Cadbury World in the UK, and Gottebiten in Sweden.
First up is It’Sugar, a three-story monument to all things saccharine, nestled within New York’s American Dream mall. Here, five-pound gummy bears roam free, and the shelves are stocked with enough brightly colored treats to induce a diabetic coma in a small elephant. Then we hop across the pond to Cadbury World, celebrating its bicentennial with a fresh facelift and a nostalgic display of vintage chocolate bars. Finally, we land in Sweden, home to Gottebiten, a sprawling candy emporium boasting 700 varieties of pick ‘n’ mix. Apparently, the staff there move 100 pallets of sweets daily. Just let that sink in for a moment.
This documentary offers a look at the logistical nightmares and sugar-fueled triumphs of running a massive sweet shop during the most competitive time of the year. While Swedes apparently consume an average of 16.5 kilograms of candy per person annually, which, quite frankly, is terrifying, it’s a safe bet that these stores see a significant spike in sales during the holiday season. From stocking shelves to managing crowds of sugar-craved customers, “World’s Biggest Sweet Shop at Christmas” aims to reveal the inner workings of these candy kingdoms. Just be sure to have your dentist on speed dial.
World’s Biggest Sweet Shop at Christmas airs Thursday, December 26, 2024, at 8:00 pm on Channel 5.
