The Best Candy Shops in NYC for Halloween

Economy Candy has a rich history, having first opened in 1937. With shelves stacked high with every kind of candy you can imagine, it’s almost the archetypical candy store. Accordingly, all the old favorites from yesteryear are present – if you want to give trick-or-treaters a taste of Halloween as it used to be.

There are plenty of candy stores designed to honor Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but only one designed by Ralph Lauren’s daughter Dylan. It has appeared in films such as Hitch (2005) and Arthur (2011) and shows such as Gossip Girl and Project Runway, and the selection runs from classic options to artisanal chocolates. As the name suggests, there’s also a bar serving candy-inspired cocktails.

An interesting product is important, and a delicious one is even better. Baked by Melissa produces tiny cupcakes, intricately decorated and invariably yummy. There are several stores around NYC, and alongside the mini cupcakes, there are also other sweet treats, including little macarons. While it’s not a traditional candy store, it’s a great place to stock up on goodies for a Halloween party.

For something a bit more international, Sockerbit’s stock of Scandinavian sweets is worth a look. In Manhattan’s West Village, the white interior certainly evokes its Swedish roots. It opened in 2011, aiming to make the smågodis (little candies) popular in the USA. It may take them a while, but the store itself is a wonder and a great spot to stock up on some Halloween treats.

Coney Island is generally a summer destination, but why not make the journey to visit Williams Candy, more than 75 years old. If you’re after something with a traditional carnival vibe, this is your spot. Fudge, caramel apples, cotton candy, popcorn – it’s all here, in a variety of shapes and sizes. Just try not to eat it all before you get home.

From the old to the new trying to look old, Fferins of Brooklyn makes a convincing effort of looking antiquated, but it opened in 2018. It specializes in British sweet treats and has an entire range of Harry Potter goodies on offer, as well as other British staple brands such as Cadbury, Maltesers and more.

If you’re in the East Village and ask around about the best place to go for candy or anything sugary, most residents will point you in the direction of Ray’s Candy Store. Opened by Ray Alverez in 1974, it has won multiple awards and featured in films such as Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) and TV shows such as Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Once again, the candy on offer is loveably retro in theme, making it perfect for the spooky season.

Philip’s Candy resided in Coney Island before relocating to Staten Island. It has cultivated such a strong reputation over the years that Coney Islanders will happily make the journey to Staten Island to pick up the flavored popcorn, candy-dipped apples and other OG sweets that the store still offers.