Sweets emporium Economy Candy, a beloved time machine of a candy store, got its start on Rivington Street in the 1930s (hence the very Depression-friendly name).
Today the shop has one of New York’s most recognizable old-school signs (above), and its maze of candy bins and shelves of nostalgia brands draw big crowds on weekends—a testament to its reputation as well as the Lower East Side’s revival.
But things at 108 Rivington looked very different in the 1980s, when this NYC Department of Records photo was taken. (Click the thumbnail to see it larger.)
How it looked inside, I have no idea. But outside are boarded-up upper windows, graffiti near the facade—and a sign noting Israeli specialties and Halvah, reflecting the tastes of the neighborhood 30-plus years ago.
Tags: Candy stores old New York, Economy Candy, Economy Candy 1980s, Lower East Side 1980s, New York 1980s and now, old New York City store signs, Rivington Street 1980s
Ephemeral New York 
January 30, 2017 at 4:33 pm |
What’s with the “Too” in the name? Were there two stores at some point in the past?
January 30, 2017 at 8:31 pm |
Good question! I’m not aware of a second store.
January 31, 2017 at 5:59 pm |
Maybe the “too” is from when the original store was a shoe store and the owner sold candy as a side business?
January 31, 2017 at 8:46 pm |
That makes sense. It also explains why, when I went in and asked for some banana Turkish Taffy, they said “That also comes in strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate. Would you like to try one on?”
February 4, 2017 at 1:25 am |
I knew them well including the owner. Jerry took over the store from his father with a slight bit of arrogance and then the annoying full-of-himself grandson took it over and cant wait to promote himself on any media avenue he can (as if he was responsible for their success).
February 5, 2017 at 6:25 pm |
“Old School” sign? Really does not seem so old school to me.
February 6, 2017 at 4:30 pm |
Plus it’s a great place to pick up fat chicks.
November 27, 2017 at 8:13 am |
[…] But the store sign at 88 Nassau Street downtown lives on—it’s a cut above Manhattan’s next best candy store sign at Economy Candy. […]