{"id":20128,"date":"2026-03-10T10:57:44","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T10:57:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/?p=20128"},"modified":"2026-03-10T10:57:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T10:57:47","slug":"howard-johnson-unveils-brand-refresh-with-a-candy-themed-pop-up-store-in-nyc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/howard-johnson-unveils-brand-refresh-with-a-candy-themed-pop-up-store-in-nyc\/","title":{"rendered":"Howard Johnson Created a Candy-Themed Pop-Up Store in NYC to Celebrate a Brand Refresh"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/howard-johnson-unveils-brand-refresh-with-a-candy-themed-pop-up-store-in-nyc\/#Bringing_the_Howard_Johnson_Brand_Refresh_to_Life\" title=\"Bringing the Howard Johnson Brand Refresh to Life\">Bringing the Howard Johnson Brand Refresh to Life<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/howard-johnson-unveils-brand-refresh-with-a-candy-themed-pop-up-store-in-nyc\/#Designing_an_Immersive_Candy-Themed_Experience\" title=\"Designing an Immersive Candy-Themed Experience\">Designing an Immersive Candy-Themed Experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/howard-johnson-unveils-brand-refresh-with-a-candy-themed-pop-up-store-in-nyc\/#Choosing_the_Right_Pop-Up_Location\" title=\"Choosing the Right Pop-Up Location\">Choosing the Right Pop-Up Location<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/howard-johnson-unveils-brand-refresh-with-a-candy-themed-pop-up-store-in-nyc\/#Marketing_and_Media_Strategy_Behind_the_Activation\" title=\"Marketing and Media Strategy Behind the Activation\">Marketing and Media Strategy Behind the Activation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/howard-johnson-unveils-brand-refresh-with-a-candy-themed-pop-up-store-in-nyc\/#Launch_Your_Own_Pop-Up_Store_in_New_York\" title=\"Launch Your Own Pop-Up Store in New York\">Launch Your Own Pop-Up Store in New York<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div>\n<p>\u00a0To introduce a major brand refresh and reconnect with customers, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyndhamhotels.com\/en-us\/hojo\" class=\"ek-link\">Howard Johnson by Wyndham<\/a><\/strong> launched an immersive pop-up experience in New York City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The temporary activation, called <strong>\u201cHoJo\u2019s Sweet Escape,\u201d<\/strong> transformed a retail space into a playful candy-themed environment featuring the brand\u2019s first-ever <strong>hotel room built entirely from candy<\/strong>. Designed as an experiential event rather than a traditional retail space, the pop-up invited visitors to explore the brand\u2019s updated guestroom concept while celebrating its nostalgic identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Storefront worked with agency <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizenrelations.com\/en\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Citizen Relations<\/a> to secure the venue for the activation, creating a unique setting where families, fans of the brand and members of the media could experience the new direction of Howard Johnson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bringing_the_Howard_Johnson_Brand_Refresh_to_Life\"><\/span>Bringing the Howard Johnson Brand Refresh to Life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/popped-up.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20145\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of a significant redesign initiative across its hotels, Howard Johnson introduced refreshed guestroom designs that combine modern comfort with playful references to the brand\u2019s heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Rob Myers, Senior Director of Global Communications at Wyndham Hotels &amp; Resorts, the goal was to present the redesign in a way that felt memorable and true to the brand\u2019s personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cToday\u2019s hospitality landscape is more crowded and competitive than ever, which means brands need to distinguish themselves while still delivering value. Our room refresh celebrates our nostalgic past while elevating the guest experience.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The pop-up concept allowed the company to translate this vision into a physical environment where visitors could see and interact with the new design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Designing_an_Immersive_Candy-Themed_Experience\"><\/span>Designing an Immersive Candy-Themed Experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/popped-up-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20133\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The centrepiece of the activation was a <strong>fully recreated hotel room made from candy<\/strong>, constructed using more than <strong>450 pounds of sweets<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The installation playfully referenced Howard Johnson\u2019s history as a beloved American roadside hospitality brand known for family road trips, ice cream and its iconic orange-roofed restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitors could explore the candy-filled room, take photos and learn more about the brand\u2019s refreshed hotel experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cA hotel room made entirely out of candy had never been done before,\u201d<\/em> Myers explained. <em>\u201cThe pop-up was the perfect creative way to share our vision for the brand\u2019s future while helping families create memorable experiences.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choosing_the_Right_Pop-Up_Location\"><\/span>Choosing the Right Pop-Up Location<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/popped-up-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20137\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Location played a key role in the success of the activation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The team selected a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/search\/new-york\" class=\"ek-link\">flexible retail venue in <strong>Lower Manhattan<\/strong><\/a>, offering the blank canvas needed to transform the space into a fully immersive environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High foot traffic and strong accessibility were essential factors when choosing the location, as the event was designed to attract both passersby and planned visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The venue\u2019s open layout also made it possible to install the large candy installation and create a welcoming space for guests and media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Marketing_and_Media_Strategy_Behind_the_Activation\"><\/span>Marketing and Media Strategy Behind the Activation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Promotion for the pop-up focused on generating awareness through media coverage and local event listings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The campaign followed an <strong>earned-media-first approach<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>local event listings and ticket platforms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>outreach to media and influencers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a dedicated VIP press preview<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The preview event generated strong national and local media attention, which helped drive foot traffic and build excitement around the brand refresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Myers, the response from visitors was overwhelmingly positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cGuests shared their childhood memories of Howard Johnson and expressed excitement about the brand\u2019s refreshed direction.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Launch_Your_Own_Pop-Up_Store_in_New_York\"><\/span>Launch Your Own Pop-Up Store in New York<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Experiential pop-ups like this show how brands can use temporary retail spaces to introduce new concepts, build awareness and connect directly with customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore available <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/search\/new-york\/tribeca\/retail\">pop-up shop spaces in Tribeca<\/a><\/strong> or browse <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/search\/new-york\/retail\">pop-up shops across New York City<\/a><\/strong> to find the right location for your next activation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Howard Johnson created a candy-themed pop-up store in New York City to showcase its refreshed hotel design and connect with customers through a playful brand experience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":67,"featured_media":20141,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"qubely_global_settings":"","qubely_interactions":"","content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[6850,5,2460],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-experiential","category-success-stories","category-success-stories-usa"],"qubely_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003.jpg",3696,2456,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003.jpg",1129,750,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003.jpg",482,320,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003-300x199.jpg",300,199,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003-768x510.jpg",768,510,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003-1024x680.jpg",1024,680,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003.jpg",1536,1021,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003.jpg",2048,1361,false],"qubely_landscape":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003.jpg",1129,750,false],"qubely_portrait":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003.jpg",482,320,false],"qubely_thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003.jpg",140,93,false],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/HOJO_PopUp_003.jpg",120,80,false]},"qubely_author":{"display_name":"Nicholas Moore","author_link":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/author\/nmoore\/"},"qubely_comment":0,"qubely_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/category\/experiential\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Experiential<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/category\/success-stories\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Success Stories<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/category\/success-stories-usa\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Success Stories USA<\/a>","qubely_excerpt":"Howard Johnson created a candy-themed pop-up store in New York City to showcase its refreshed hotel design and connect with customers through a playful brand experience.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/67"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20128"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20128\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20141"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}