Economy Candy has thrived since 1937, when the Lower East Side’s favorite sweet shop first opened. Flattops, high-tops, poodle skirts, rumble seats, polio, and the lindy, have had their times, but everyone always has and always will love candy. Jerry Cohen and his wife, Ilene, now run Economy Candy in its second generation with a staff of four. Mr. Cohen hopes his son will run Economy through its third generation once he graduates from the Wharton School of Business.

The fact that Economy Candy has remained at 108 Rivington St. for more than 60 years makes it possible for “second-generation owners to have second-generation customers,” Mr. Cohen told The New York Sun. Wall Street businessmen, old timers and their grandchildren, and tourists bustle through the aisles of Economy Candy all day, every day.

The entire selection is now available at www.Economycandy.com. This has allowed business to expand without relocating. The Cohens attend candy and confectionary conventions throughout the year. They recently expanded their product line to include more upscale products like Scharffen Berger chocolates, jams and fruit preserves, teas, syrups, crackers, and vinegars. They also began supplying local bakeries and restaurants, including chef Jason Neroni’s 71 Clinton. The Cohens attribute a great deal of their success to their willingness to adapt while maintaining “the uniqueness that people are still looking for,” as Mrs. Cohen puts it.

The walls are stocked from floor to ceiling with a panorama of hard, soft, sour, and gummy candies and chocolates, and a “geography lesson of nuts from all around the world,” she adds. People browse the selection with wide eyes, and newcomers’ jaws drop in awe as they walk into the store, and see the bounty and unbelievable prices. At up to 60 percent off the regular retail price, Economy’s candy bins stay incredibly fresh.

“People do not come in and buy 80 cents worth of candy in a little bag; they leave with 5 pounds of nuts and a jar full of licorice,” Mrs. Cohen said. Such rapid turnover allows Economy Candy to buy in larger quantities directly from the supplier. Because of the sheer volume that Economy sells, this method ends up costing the business and consumer less without decreasing their profit. “We easily sell 1,000 pounds of candy on the average day,” Mr. Cohen told the Sun.

“But don’t convert that to calories,” he added, with a chuckle.

Only recently is the Lower East Side beginning a new chapter as designer boutiques, galleries, and trendy music clubs move in attracting young professionals, and people in their twenties. In what was once the part of New York hit hardest by the Great Depression, and has historically been an unstable area, Economy Candy has survived because of the passion of the Cohens and their willingness for change. “Economy will be here forever, one way or another.” Mrs. Cohen assured the Sun. “People like to shop here because everyone’s happy”.