Although Läderach and GODIVA have agreed to not disclose any other conditions of the agreement, Läderach will announce the locations of the 34 stores to open by the end of summer 2021, if not sooner.

"After our successful and encouraging U.S. market entry with four stores in the Northeast and excellent nationwide e-commerce demand, these new stores are the perfect opportunity to share the joy of fresh chocolate from Switzerland with chocolate lovers from coast to coast,” said Johannes Läderach, CEO, Läderach Group. 

GODIVA announced in January it would leave its 128 North American stores through sales and closures in order to focus on its online and food, drug and mass retail sales.

Meanwhile, Läderach opened its store in Washington D.C.’s Union Station on Feb. 12.

Chocolate lovers will experience more than 100 varieties of Läderach chocolates at the new store, including its iconic FrischSchoggi (fresh chocolate) counter, where they can select from more than 20 varieties of its signature hand-cut chocolate bark. 

This store opening follows launches in Toronto, New York City and London. In December 2020, Läderach opened its largest and 100th store in the world on 5th Avenue in New York City.  

“We’ve listened to chocolate lovers in D.C. and are proud to bring our fresh artisanal Swiss chocolate experience to D.C. Union Station,” said Nathanael Hausmann, president, Läderach North America. “At Läderach, our mission is to create sweet moments of enjoyment in everyday life, whether you purchase chocolate to enjoy yourself on-the-go or to share with someone special. Especially during these times, there is an even higher demand for premium chocolate and the small moments of joy it can bring to our lives.”