See's Candies — Local services in New York

As a Californian, visiting a See’s Candies shop with its renowned black and white decor, unmistakable white boxes, delectable chocolates, butterscotch lollipops and of course, the ‘sample’ treat that you knew was coming as sure as the sun rises each day, always evoked good memories.

That is, until we made a trip to the only See’s Candies shop in NYC located in Greenwich Village. We decided on a box of lollipops and a small build-a-box that will run you about $20ish for 8-10 pieces. There was a limited edition, Irish Cream that we weren’t quite sure about and that’s what prompted the ask for a sample which had not yet been offered and ultimately was not given.

The employee said they don’t give out samples at this location… to which I remarked this is the only location in New York City, correct ? She confirmed and said this See’s Candies is independently owned and when Covid hit, the owners decided to stop sampling. To which I remarked well Covid is still around obviously, but masks are no longer mandated, things have calmed down a bit since 2020…It’s probably safe to resume sampling in 2025, no? To which she said, ‘Yeah I’ll be sure to relay the message; I’m sure they’ll totally care.’ eyeroll Whilst this isn’t her candy shop, nor her rules, it was incredibly dismissive even though she tried to remain polite.

I grabbed a brochure before leaving…it acts as a guide so you’re not later piercing the bottom of each chocolate trying to figure out what you ordered. It also shares the story of See’s Candies and how the company has been making candy from Mary See’s own homemade recipes, how her son Charles opened the first shop in Los Angeles and ‘saw to it that employees were treated like family and guests were greeted with a smile.’, all since 1921.

Oh and how (in bold)…’Mary would be proud.’

I don’t know… Would Mary be proud knowing that the only access to See’s Candies in NYC is owned by people who have done away with an over 100 year old tradition for the only reason that I can see is to save a dollar by not sampling out the product that she created ???

Also, I’m not the only one who’s noticed. The topic of See’s came up at a work function and a woman remarked that she had recently taken her granddaughter who had been told about the wonderful tradition of the See’s sampling, only to be denied. Who denies an excited kid a piece of candy and basically makes her grandmother look like a liar?

To be ‘correct’ nowhere does it state that samples are given, but this location which touts itself as, ‘The Sweetest Spot in New York’ is railing against a now 104 year old tradition, leaving a rather sour taste in peoples’ mouths.

When the craving strikes, it’s really hard to ignore so there may [reluctantly] be a trip in the future, but quite honestly I’d rather buy online and wait for the delivery than make an impromptu trip giving these Scrooges...

A friend loves Sees, so tend to pop in to buy him a box when I'm in the area. Cute little place, with nice ambience on entering - despite the small size.

Chocolates are good but wildly expensive. They only very rarely seem to have the Mixed Milk box, the one I actually want, but will make up a custom box if you ask. Not as good for travel, however, and works out more expensive.

Service is hit and miss. It's always been either quiet and deserted when I've gone in and still can't predict. One guy with kind of auburn curly hair has been there a few times and may be a manager? He's great and makes you feel like an actual person, not an inconvenience. Others can be nice or disinterested.

A peculiarity that drives me crazy is their insistence on saying "you don't want a bag, do you?" and "you don't want a receipt, do you?". Apparently the franchise owners demand it and it rankles. Maybe I DO want a bag and/or receipt? Minor thing, but it comes across as a bit paternalistic, patronising and miserly. Such a bizarre approach to customer service. I just spent over $100 on chocolate, so I'd prefer you didn't become dismissive as I hand...

If you want the real See’s Candies experience, skip this place. This isn’t a true See’s store – it’s a licensee location cashing in on the brand name. Prices are inflated way beyond what you’d pay on the official See’s website, and in fact, it would be cheaper to have the candy delivered to your door than to buy here. I paid almost $10 for just four pieces of chocolate – absolutely ridiculous. If this was inside an airport where high markups are expected, maybe it would make sense – but this is just a random storefront passing costs onto customers.

The disappointment doesn’t stop there. See’s is famous for giving you a sample – it’s part of the tradition. Here? Forget it. No sample, no charm, nothing. Your “shopping bag” is literally a plain white Uline bag with zero branding. Selection is limited and underwhelming, like they’re doing the bare minimum to justify the markup.

Bottom line: beware. This is not the See’s you know and love. Don’t waste your money here. Order online or go to a real corporate See’s store – you’ll get better service, real packaging, fair pricing, and the experience that made...