The oldest candy store in New York is Economy Candy (1937)

Economy Candy

During the Great Depression, demand for shoe and hat repair at a shop on the corner of Rivington and Essex was low. Outside the store though, a small candy pushcart run by the same owners attracted customers craving sweets during the tumultuous era. By 1937, candy bars replaced repair tools in the corner shop now known as Economy Candy. The sweet shop’s name is inspired by the unexpected success of the candy pushcart outside the shoe and hat repair shop.

Now, the shop has more than 2,000 candy items for sale, and on July 30, 2022, Economy Candy turned 85, continuing its title of the oldest candy shop in New York City. As one travels toward the back of the store, candy options vary by section. The front of the store features primarily American candy and novelty items, including tootsie rolls and balloon animal kits. In the middle of the store, Economy Candy has about 100 different types of gummies, including 60 types of Haribo, imported directly from Germany. Towards the back of the store, candy from Japan, Israel, and Mexico sits across a color-sorted candy wall. Playing cards, jump ropes, gum with jokes on it, and placebo pills for various made-up conditions are also among the goods hidden between rows and rows of candy. Economy Candy is located at 108 Rivington St., New York, New York.

Next, check out 12 surprising foods that were invented in New York City!