Stories

Wed, 10 Jun 2026

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 New candy stores are popping up across NYC. Why?

While US consumer confidence is at an historic low the Big Apple's sweet shops are expanding.
In New York City, one sector is bucking the trend: candy stores. Despite the US economy being in crisis, with consumer confidence at an all-time low, small business owners like Mitchell Cohen are finding that people still want to indulge in sweet treats. "There's always candy," says Cohen, owner of Economy Candy, which has been selling sweets since 1937. He attributes this resilience to the affordable price point and nostalgic appeal of candy. Other entrepreneurs are also cashing in on the demand for sweets. Kate Bolger is opening a new candy store in Sleepy Hollow next month, while BonBon, an upmarket candy company founded by Swedish expats, has five shops across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Swedish confectionery has gained popularity globally due to social media, and BonBon's co-founder Leo Schaltz attributes the brand's success to its focus on "little, quirky details" and affordable prices. However, not all is rosy in the world of candy. Import tariffs and rising transport costs are increasing wholesale prices for confectionery suppliers like Cohen. Despite this, he has absorbed most of the cost increases and reports that sales are up. "A little candy goes a long way," he says.