Economy Candy. (Enough Said.)
When my family comes to visit, there’s nothing my little brothers enjoy more than asking why we have to walk so much (specifically, “Why can’t we take a subway to the subway?”), followed by consistently ordering refills of Root Beer at restaurants that do not offer free refills, thereby creating a rage in my father usually reserved for losing an important tool of some sort. However, after three painful visits, I’ve found the only place they will not complain about having to move their legs to get to: Economy Candy on the Lower East Side.
Since its founding in 1937, the old-fashioned store has been run by the same family in delivering an eclectic range of chocolate covered specialties, candy by the pound, dried fruit/nuts and more. Despite changes in the economy, neighborhood and its customers’ taste buds, Economy Candy has continued to thrive by simply listening to its customers and making sure to carry whatever sugary delights they want to buy.
Yes, you can get a candy bar almost anywhere now, but can you get a Garbage Pail Kid card trading pack for $.99 at CVS? Or a bag of all of the strawberry-flavored gummy teeth you will ever be able to eat for around $3? Hard-to-find British candy for around $1.50? Nope, no sir. From the fancy and foreign to just plain tootsie rolls, Economy Candy is there to remind you of why you need to make sure to always brush your teeth… a very worthy trip, even if you have to walk there.
Economy Candy
108 Rivington Street (at Essex)
[Lower East Side]
