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Scott Harrison/Retna/HarrisonPhotos.com
Kim Kardashian at the grand opening of Sugar Factory American Brasserie at the Paris on March 4, 2011.
Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011 | 2 a.m.
Las Vegas and celebrities have a symbiotic relationship. Casinos and nightclubs like the cache of having boldfaced names hanging around, and the famous and notorious enjoy the spoils — the appearance fees, perks and usual Vegas enticements. Add candy to that list.
Perhaps no candy store locally or nationally tries to tap celebrity to market its goods like Paris Las Vegas’ Sugar Factory.
The candy store and restaurant sells Couture Pops — celebrity-endorsed lollipops. They cost $22 to $25, but the bedazzled lollipop stem is reusable, and three-packs of replacement candy heads sell for $12.50.
Here’s how it works: Celebrities who design and endorse a lollipop for the store’s “Signature Series” get a paycheck. Others who merely pose for a photo get free loot.
The Sugar Factory reaches out to celebrities who are already at the resort. For example, if the casino’s Chateau Nightclub & Gardens has scheduled a celebrity appearance, then more than likely the celebrity will eat dinner at Sugar Factory American Brasserie beforehand.
The shop is going for “Willy Wonka meets MTV,” said Corey Jenkins, a partner in the company. Here is a look at some celebrities who have taken to the Couture Pop photo opp in the past few months:
Photo by Denise Truscello/WireImage/DeniseTruscello.net
Mario Lopez
Television personality Mario Lopez and his girlfriend Courtney Mazza at the Sugar Factory in the Paris on Oct. 8, 2011.
Photo by David Becker/WireImage
Apl.De.Ap
Apl.De.Ap of The Black Eyed Peas poses with a Couture Pop on Sept. 23, 2011.
Photo by Denise Truscello/WireImage/DeniseTruscello.net
Bridget Marquardt
Former Playboy bunny Bridget Marquardt shops at Sugar Factory on Sept. 16, 2011.
/Sugar Factory
Kelly Preston
Actress Kelly Preston and daughter Ella Bleu made a visit on Aug. 31, 2011.
Photo by Isaac Brekken/WireImage
Kelly Rowland
Artist Kelly Rowland at Sugar Factory in the Paris on Aug. 27, 2011.
Photo by Isaac Brekken/WireImage
Bree Olson
Penthouse Pet Bree Olson made an appearance on Aug. 26, 2011.
Photo by David Becker/WireImage
Mike Sorrentino
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino of MTV’s Jersey Shore with family and friends on Aug. 14, 2011.
Photo by Denise Truscello/WireImage/DeniseTruscello.net
Adrian Grenier
Actor Adrian Grenier sans his entourage in the Chocolate Lounge at Sugar Factory on July 22, 2011.
Photo by Angela Weiss/WireImage
Dennis Rodman
Former NBA star Dennis Rodman made an appearance on July 19, 2011.
Photo by David Becker | WireImage
Ray J
Musician Ray J at the Sugar Factory at the Paris Las Vegas on July 16, 2011.
Photo by David Becker | WireImage
Michael Madsen
Actor Michael Madsen joined Ray J at the Sugar Factory, Chateau and Gallery on July 16 and 17, 2011.
Photo by David Becker/WireImage
Shaquille O’Neal
Former NBA All-Star Shaquille O’Neal and Nicole Alexander at Sugar Factory in the Paris on June 25, 2011.
Photo by Denise Truscello/WireImage/DeniseTruscello.net
Alyssa Campanella
2011 Miss USA Alyssa Campanella at Sugar Factory on June 19, 2011.
Photo by Denise Truscello/WireImage/DeniseTruscello.net
Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian Odom
Reality TV couple Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian Odom visited the store on June 17, 2011.
Photo by David Becker | WireImage
Ciara
American artist Ciara at the Chateau and Sugar Factory on June 10, 2011.
I dont get the adult obsession with candy and all these designer cupcake stores.
Nice. It's great to have all the pop stars put their support in favor of obesity, particularly childhood obesity.
We're the fattest nation on earth and getting fatter so it's perfect that Kim, The Situation, Holly, etc. are telling the kids to eat even more of the evil sugar.
Perhaps the Sugar Factory should be called the Obesity Factory or the Diabetes Factory, instead.
Way to go, guys! Hope the "loot" was worth it...