Why small sweet shops are expanding during tough times
New candy shops are appearing across New York City even though many retailers are struggling due to weak consumer confidence and ongoing inflation. While people are cutting back on larger purchases, demand for small treats like candy remains steady.
Industry owners say sweets continue to sell because they are affordable and offer quick comfort. Even during financial stress, customers still want small indulgences they can easily justify.
A business model that survived the Great Depression
One of the strongest examples is Economy Candy on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. It first opened in 1937 during the tail end of the Great Depression and is now known as the city’s oldest candy store.
The shop did not start as a candy store. It began as a hat and shoe repair business, with candy sold outside on a small cart to earn extra income. Over time, repairs became less affordable for customers, so the family shifted fully to sweets. That decision helped the business survive, and it is still running today under third generation ownership.
Why candy still sells in uncertain times
Owner Mitchell Cohen says people still buy candy even when money feels tight. He explains that inflation and uncertainty reduce spending power, but candy remains an easy and low cost purchase.
Recent retail data shows overall US sales are still rising, yet consumer sentiment has dropped to record lows. This gap reflects a split between what people feel and what they still spend on.
Experts say candy fits into a pattern often called the “lipstick effect.” When budgets shrink, people avoid expensive items but still buy small luxuries that give emotional comfort.
New shops are betting on small treats
This trend is also attracting new entrepreneurs. Kate Bolger, a former movie producer, is preparing to open The Village Confectionery in Sleepy Hollow, a town near New York City known for its literary history.
Bolger believes customers may delay big purchases but will still spend on small treats like candy. She sees it as a simple way for people to enjoy something small without financial strain.
A small luxury that stays resilient
Even as the wider retail sector faces pressure, candy stores continue to grow in select areas. Their success is linked to low prices, emotional appeal, and steady demand during uncertain economic conditions.
