IT’SUGAR’s Expansion at Bayside Marketplace and Across the U.S.: Revolutionizing the Retail Scene with Category Expansion, Themed Experiences, and Playful Engagement

(By Maurizio and Otero) A business or brand isn’t just a single entity anymore—today’s evolution is about creating a universe of brand experiences that extend across multiple physical and digital touchpoints. It’s about building an ecosystem of immersive, multi-sensory moments that elevate your brand beyond traditional retail. 

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Are you ready to discover how a candy chain is transforming experiential retail in Miami and across the U.S.? 

 

The Sweet Formula of IT’SUGAR

The story of IT’SUGAR at Bayside Marketplace isn’t just a success story—it’s a living example of how to leverage trends, culture, and marketing to dominate in a fiercely competitive landscape. 

Retail Innovation: IT’SUGAR combines experience and entertainment to attract customers, not just products. 

Tapping into Social Trends: TikTok and #candytok are fueling a craze for viral flavors and unique products. 

Localizing the Offer: They’ve tailored their product lineup to fit Latin culture, diverse communities, theme park vibes, and Miami’s booming tourism market. 

Strategic Expansion: Opening in key spots like Bayside, with heavy tourist and entertainment foot traffic. 

Viral Strategy: It’s not just about calling a couple of influencers. It’s about assembling real activation teams—creative, promotional, logistical—that continuously create buzz, leverage humor, nostalgia, and innovation to generate authentic engagement. 

Their Approach: Activation is king. Expanding product lines, culture, promotion, and category disruption take center stage—videos just amplify real experiences. Welcome to the age of PHY-digital

And, of course, the ultimate goal is to create experiential theme parks that showcase all facets of brand and product expansion—applying not just in Miami, but globally. 

No longer is it about a single “focus”—it’s about building an integrated universe of experiences. The culture of value is the only true differentiator—whether you’re a tech firm, B2B company, retailer, or service provider. 

 

 

How Do You Stand Out in a Saturated Market Like Miami—and Against the Oversaturation of Asian Products?

By integrating amplified phy-digital experiences, expanding categories, incorporating interactive activations, digital trends, and offering truly unique products that can’t be found elsewhere. 

 

 

The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Miami: Opportunities and Challenges

Miami, the Latin American entrepreneurial hub of the U.S., has become an international epicenter where culture, innovation, and tourism collide. The recent expansion of IT’SUGAR into Bayside Marketplace—boasting a 16,000 sq ft, two-level flagship—illustrates how global brands are harnessing South Florida’s energy to scale. 

According to the Miami Chamber of Commerce, retail and entertainment investments jumped 25% in 2024—driven by the post-pandemic recovery and surging Latin and Anglo tourism. Brands like IT’SUGAR, blending one-of-a-kind products with immersive experiences, are leading the “retail as spectacle” movement. 

 

 

From Digital Marketing to Phy-digital Marketing in the U.S. Latino Market

The secret sauce is IT’SUGAR’s phy-digital approach and social media mastery. They’ve effectively harnessed TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms to go viral—from their “pickle-flavored taffy” to nostalgic “vintage candies.” But it’s always rooted in real moments of activation. 

CEO Jarett Levan sums it up: “Social and viral trends are the engine of our growth. Customer experience goes beyond the product; we aim to create memorable moments worth sharing.” 

For Latino entrepreneurs, this means investing in high-quality visual content, using relevant hashtags, and understanding the cultural and social currents that move their audience. 

 

 

Investment & Funding Strategies for Latinos in Miami

The expansion of IT’SUGAR at Bayside, with millions in investment, proves Miami remains a magnet for both foreign and local capital. Strategic alliances with investment funds, favorable financing, and aggressive growth plans are fueling their success. 

Miami Chamber data shows that Latino entrepreneurs who understand market dynamics—blending innovation with cultural insight—can scale rapidly and capture high-value segments. 

 

 

Welcome to the Era of Crossing Marketing: Sports, Culture, Entertainment & Business—The Full-Spectrum Success Formula in Miami (It’s Not Just One Thing, It’s All of It)

Miami isn’t just a tourist destination; it’s a melting pot where sports, music, and gastronomy fuel the business ecosystem. The opening of flagship stores like IT’SUGAR in iconic locations exemplifies how culture and experience can be integrated to build memorable brands. 

More products? Sure. But what truly matters is category expansion—your product isn’t just a product; it’s a universe of sensations that your brand can deliver across multiple categories. 

 

Example:
If you sell motorcycles and own a specialty agency, your core isn’t just the bike or accessories. Your business encompasses the brand boutique, merchandising, themed bars, training academies, rider clubs, toys, furniture, watches, bags, décor, hotels, garages, detailing shops, brand tools, VIP experiences at races and shows, and more. 

(This analogy applies across all industries—healthcare, education, hospitality, media, you name it.) 

In a world where China and India flood markets with cheaper, hyper-produced products—serving a global population of nearly 4.5 billion with countless resellers leveraging logistics and e-commerce—differentiation comes from offering experience-driven, category-expanding products and activations. 

 

 

As Jarett Levan puts it:

“In Miami, the vibrant energy and spirit make any business poised for exponential growth. The key is to adapt your offering to local culture and leverage global trends.” 

 

The Sweet Revolution of Crossing Marketing

IT’SUGAR’s expansion at Bayside isn’t just about opening a store—it’s a blueprint of how innovation, cultural expansion, and phy-digital trends can transform a business and a market. 

Latin American entrepreneurs looking to stand out in Miami—and beyond—must learn to blend experience, authenticity, and agility to seize global opportunities. 

 

 

FAQs

How can a Latino entrepreneur leverage social trends to grow in Miami?
By applying crossing marketing strategies—creating real activations, brand logistics, and viral content—while understanding the cultural currents shaping their audience. Authenticity and current trends like #candytok are essential. 

What investment strategies are most effective for expansion in Miami?
Partner with local investment funds, tap into tax incentives, and tailor your offerings to the tourism and cultural markets. 

The future of business in Miami is in your hands!
Get inspired by IT’SUGAR’s story, adopt trending strategies, and don’t hesitate to innovate. Miami is waiting for you to turn your vision into reality—by blending culture, creativity, and digital strategy. 

The future of business in Miami’s multicultural environment is in your hands. 

Act now—draw inspiration from stories like IT’SUGAR and make your mark!



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 juan.maqueda@onefullagency.com

  marcelo.maurizio@onefullagency.com



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