Cookie Bear: A Local Stop for Sweets Lovers
Merrick Patch, NY — Cookies, candy and chocolates galore—Cookie Bear gift shop has the perfect assortment for decorative platters, party favors or, that aching sweet tooth.
Alison Sparaco, a Merrick native, opened her business in 2006 after first going to culinary school and realizing her love for being creative and putting things together instead.
Cookie Bear, located at 2148 Merrick Mall, has remained in that spot for 18 years. According to Sparaco, when the store went up for sale, she jumped on the opportunity to put a bid in and with the acceptance came great business.
“Business has been good,” she said. “We’ve had our ups and downs because of the economy, but we’re able to pay the bills and do what we have to do.”
From chocolate covered pretzels, fudge and truffles to jelly beans, gummy bears and lollipops, Cookie Bear has everything for goody bags, gift baskets and more.
“You name it and we could probably do it,” Sparaco said.
Sparaco’s mother, Linda Sparaco (also a Merrick native) helps her to keep the business going. At first, the store only carried a small amount of cookies, candy and chocolate, but little by little they built the selection up to the point where they are happy with what they do and sell.
