Economy Candy Store

What a treat! We had to go to Economy Candy Store to pick up bulk for our mini gingerbread house kits. Economy opens, on a SUNDAY, at 9AM, and is staffed with the friendliest people around, especially for so early in the morning.

And early as it was, the store was filled with people. Seniors stocking up on bridge mixes, low-sugar hards, and other sweets. Groups of kids and their parents bounded in with equal enthusiasm. Tourists came in to gawk. And the counter people and the maanagers, who I presumed to be the owners from the way they were greeting regulars, were no-nonsense and friendly.

Economy Candy is a great example of a privately-managed public space. Yes, stores do count as public space! They are places where people go to meet each other and spend time in the public realm. Economy does a terrific job of managed chaos, keeping their store vibrant and full of potential discovery from floor to ceiling. There was something to look at in every available space, and the slightly unorganized feel made it all the more fun to stay in the store and look.

Economy is also a great example of a business that has evolved to remain competitive in a rapidly changing urban environment. But that's a topic for a later time.

I walked out with more than 50 pounds of bulk candy. The prices are great, but the vibe is what will keep you going back.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Hotel Rivington across the street from Economy is now manned by a doorman - and lots of construction people in the upper floors. (They keep nasty empty coffee cups on the window ledge, making it seem like pack rats have moved into the hotel.) Economy and the other old school stores are what saves the Hotel from being just another boringly pretentious upscale boutique.