J & R

J&R was in business just after the WTC terrorist attacks in 1993 and 2001 serving New Yorkers who lived and worked in the area and tourist alike.
J & R music world, Daffy’s, Bowlmor Lanes (Union Square), Loehman’s– all out of business!
And these business were here in NYC for decades.
Each weathered terrible economic downturns (in the late 1970s’ early 1980s and early 1990’s) and it’s only now in the 2000’s they have had to shutter their doors.
What’s happening to New York?
Lets be honest, some of you people are doing very well while the rest of us are on the outs.
I am really beginning to miss the New York City landscape.

Folks, J&R’s physical store is NOT permanently closed. Thank god. I love that place.
They’re re-​designing the space. NYT:
A digital rendition included in the announcement on J & R’s website depicted the storefront at the corner of Ann Street and Park Row with a modern glass façade and the year 2015 written below it. A spokesman for the Friedmans, Matthew Hiltzik, said the couple hope to reopen the store next year, but a date has not been set and a design has not been finalized.
The store, whose closing was reported on Wednesday evening by The Daily News, said in the announcement that it needed to keep up with technology, retailing and real estate trends and that it would close «so that we can rebuild this location into what we hope will be an unprecedented retailing concept and social mecca.»

Today is April 10, 2014, and J&R is closed for good. I do not think they will ever open again as a retail store, the business model for this type of enterprise has changed and is barely viable.
I was in there a few days before they closed, and I could tell the end was near.
Nothing was in stock, nobody shopping, the shelves almost empty, and the dispirited employees were just milling around.
Now it is eerily shuttered and desolate, it looks weird and sad.
I feel bad, I know a few of the salespeople, and they are out of jobs.
A long time ago, after 9/​11, I wrote a little story about an experience there.
It is almost like an end of an era, downtown NYC has lost another vestige of the past.
A long time ago there was the Park Row of the booming newspaper business. (Read Jack Finney for some great stories about time travel to that period).
Then there was the gritty, almost abandoned Park Row of the 1970’s, and finally the era of the WTC attack and the Renaissance of Lower Manhattan as a place of families, kids, and gentrification.
For everything, there is a time. Enjoy every sandwich.
Here is my little story that I wrote in the desolation after the ⁹⁄₁₁ attack:
A Descent into the Maelstrom
Date: 01−26−02
Have you ever tried to return anything to J&R (in person)?
The once friendly clerks are nowhere to be found.
You, the obvious liar and breaker of good merchandise, are directed (with great obfuscation) to an unmarked, filthy door on Park Row, where it leads to several creaky staircase levels down to a morbid dungeon.
You now stare at your adversaries through a faded, cloudy window. The sequestered, hunched over ghost-​like employees are now openly hostile and glare at you through half-​closed, dog-​bark eyes.
«Returns and Credit» is written on a yellowed, 20 year Xerox old dangling from ancient cracking Scotch tape on the wall.
In this blueish-​green, flickering dimly neon-​lit Dantesque level of hell, you are subjected to further suspicious scrutiny in a tiny, feotid room, smelling of urine and stale sweat.
There are grim workers behind a bullet-​proof plexiglass counter. All pretense of you being the welcome customer are now put aside. You are the foul, detestable returner of perfectly good merchandise, who is either lying or trying to pull some shifty stunt.
You have to produce all your documents, papers, bags, receipts and your box is opened and ravaged, while the short, goggle-​eyed, unsmiling Indian or Hasidic clerk searches for evidence that you have left something out, stolen it or pulled a fast one and can be sent home forthwith.
«Whas’ wrong widdit?»
«It doesn’t work»
«Wanna annuder one?»
«No, a refund».
The jig is up. You’re a thief, parts switcher, criminal.
You are little better than a scheming cockroach.
Another 20 minutes of pecking on a computer, shuffling papers, examining your merchandise, grim stares through the fingerprinted-​marked barrier.
A test of wills.
Finally, begrudgingly, you are rewarded with a plastic card containing electronic «store credit» thrust through the plexiglass slot, and you crawl thankfully back into the Fulton Street night of crashed towers, obese tourists wearing «Ground Zero» caps on backwards, and the Manhattos docks of Bartelby the Scrivener…

As J&R closes its doors indefinitely after forty-​three years of being an institution in New York down in Park Row for music, electronics, and computing, I cannot help but give J&R its due for how important this store was for New York City.
First off, it was one of the first store to re-​open its doors after the attacks of ⁹⁄₁₁ in downtown Manhattan. It is one of, if not the only, last standing mega music stores that sold music CDs and vinyls even as the digital age had clearly outpaced the demand for those products. Over the years, it went up against the likes of Tower Records, HMV, Virgin Megastore, Sam Goody. They all fell by the waste side, but J&R was still left standing. It represented the last of a one-​stop brick-​and-​mortar shop for music, movies, electronic goods, and computers. They stayed true to that even after the likes of Circuit City, Comp USA, and other retailers had to cease operations due to declining sales.
Alas, all good things come to an end. J&R managed to stay alive for as long as they could until it no longer became feasible. For that, they get my respect and admiration despite occasional gripes against their pricing schemes and mediocre customer service. The J&R moments I will take with me include «new-​release– Tuesdays» being able to scroll through DVD bins, meeting John Cena before he became the face of WWE, and buying CDs and Walkmans that fall apart every few months.
I look forward to what the owners will come up with in place of location that J&R has held for all these years. Thanks for the memories!

J+R has totally gone downhill in the past year or so. This used to be one of my go to spots for vinyl in the city, as it had a pretty good selection at fair prices.
Now, J+R has stopped selling music, movies and games. I assume this is due to declining profits. As someone who has gone here many times over the years, this is not shocking whatsoever.
The employees here are unhelpful to say the least. It’s a situation where you better know what you want, otherwise you’re not getting any type of education on products.
The security here basically acts like your a criminal just for buying things or browsing. Not only are all bags sealed, but your receipts have to be checked at the door and signed off on. Furthermore, there are security sensors on each floor. It’s no way to treat customers.
In terms of the products, things are all over the place. They sell basic stereo equipment, but nothing high quality. I’d rather go to Best Buy, because at least there is Magnolia for higher level home theater equipment.
As for TV/​Computers, the selection simply is lacking. Again, I can see why J+R has been squeezed by competitors. I’ve had a much better experience at a ton of other places.
Go to Best Buy or a dedicated home theater shop if you’re looking for that and hit the village if you’re going to grab some tunes!

I wonder if store is closing. Not much in computer dept. Bare bones with networking wireless routers. Only one sales person. Gave up waiting to see if they had two apple extreme wireless routers… saw none on sales floor. Going to apple store instead. They used to carry great electrons like Apple TV alternatives.
Even staples has more of a selection

My view is based on working nearby since 1981, shopping there about 2 –3 time a month all these years, living near transit and now in a long-​walk distance from the store. I’ve been generally very informed and opinionated and demanding about product, I was willing to return more than once to get the product I wanted and ready to leave a salesperson who was not helpful, for another!
Everything everyone wrote in the oher reviews is «true». But it’s all moot now that all that is left is a ‘warehouse clearance’ in the ‘corner buidling’, amidst at least 40% of THAT bldg closed off — leading to retail closure rumours. These are denied by the owners. But no other news is yet public.
Perhaps one time I was charged a restocking fee, However, approx. 2010 I bought and returned two different 32″ LCD/​LED tv within a 5 –day return period, with full credit — just because [of a feature I required].
The store peaked in selection a few years ago, I saw boxed software ‘disappear’ and the long lines Tuesdays for new music, then CDs, melted away before these sections were shrunk and ‘consoliated’. Classical CDs 2 floor closed, camera store which expanded into a relatively large 3 fl. bldg at Beekman-​Park Row closed. Appliances, cell phones, and the audio and video specialised store sectoion moved and closed. Sad. So I went to B+H for a whole new Pentax cam and lenses in 2013.
I am the dinosaur, wanting boxed software, physical CD and DVD in-​store not delivery!

BEWARE MAC BUYERS,
Last year, I purchased a MacBook 2012 computer from this store through amazon. However, recently, upon taking it to the repair shop, I was told that my MacBook was a 2010 model and the parts were changed to look like 2012. Basically, I paid full price for a 2010 model which go for significantly less. I would of never known if I haven’t had an expert open it up. The programming was also edited to say (Mid-​2012 model) in the About me Section. I am going to check another store just to verify that this is true and apple store as well to check the parts. But I will try to post pictures once I get verification.
I will remove this review and rate this store 5 stars if this isn’t true but right now I feel jipped. So if anyone has bought a MacBook pro from this store, please let me know if you also suffered the same thing.

Sadly, looks like J&R is ending its music store operations, and the main reason why I came to this store in the first place. This was the only store in the city where you can buy new vinyl releases from current artists without feeling like an outcast (aka, Urban Outfitters). No more Record Store Days, it looks like.
I definitely wouldn’t come here for their cameras (overpriced and not well stocked), their computers (same), or any other appliances. This was the place for records, great music, and you felt comfortable browsing and buying.
I’m going to miss coming downtown to visit J&R. I have no reason to visit now.

I had never been to J&R until recently. I never really had a reason to visit since I order ⁹⁄₁₀ of my electronics online. Stores, in general, make me twitch so I try to avoid them at all costs.
This all changed when my boss sent me here for an iPhone (iCant) 5 charger. When I first walked in, there was a selection of cell phone accessories but they didn’t have any chargers. I asked an employee for assistance, she directed me to the Apple section. The second I got to that section, an employee rushed over to help me. He showed me both the Apple charger, as well as a third-​party. The third-​party ended up being a way better deal with 2 USB’s and a power adapter, all for only $ 29.99. The sales associate was very friendly, as well as helpful and made small talk as he printed my receipt. The cashier was also very nice and kept things pleasant as I paid. Overall, the staff at J&R is great. Will I be back for my own electronics? Maybe sometime in the future. I always appreciate a store that’s well-​run.

J&R going down the shits. Ordered a power pack and got an ethernet cable instead… Then called customer service and she told me to email her a pic with all the proof and she will call me back. Never got a call back. Called again and they had all my info/​situation on file and told me they didnt have the original item i ordered in stock so they would refund me instead.
Still have not received a refund since then. Called again and got the most unprofessional rep. Saying «omg man i cant hear you. and i know its not me either cause i been on the phone all day».
Dont even bother. Buy your stuff from another store.

They super rock!!! I was looking for a new stereo, nothing fancy. This is also when The Good Guys was still in business. I priced the same stereo at J+R for $ 100.00 cheaper, and again, keep in mind, this WAS NOT a fancy stereo. They are great!!!

I’ve been shopping at J & R back in the days when they were known as J & R Music World. Their records/​CDs department was the biggest section and the size of their audio department was like a walk-​in closet.
Presently, all of J & R departments (which occupied several storefronts on Park Row) have consolidated to a corner vertical building. Logistically, it makes shopping more convenient but they’ve also eliminated more than 50% of their items to sell.
Though they still have some of the best prices for all things electronics and computers, I’d still would shop there.
I would take away half a star because they’re probably the only electronics store that opens at 10 am during the holiday shopping season.

Giving this store anything but 5 stars is criminal. It has been a NYC institution for decades. I’ve purchased all my electronics and computers here for longer than I remember. I walk in and the audio salesman recognizes me and remembers everything I bought. And don’t forget that prices are negotiable, especially if you’re buying several items. There is absolutely no reason to shop at any chain store when J&R is an option.
So sad to see this place close.

I write this review having just returned from J&R. I haven’t tried out the products yet, but I thought the shopping experience was far better than what I experienced last night at Best Buy. I went to J&R looking for parts for a computer I’m assembling. I was asked if I needed help on more than one occasion, which basically NEVER happens at Best Buy. The people that did help me were very knowledgeable in the areas they were working. I didn’t get a chance to browse the rest of the store, but if I have time to make it down here and avoid Best Buy, I’ll definitely come again.
Thanks J&R!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, DO NOT EVER SHOP AT J&R FOR ANYTHING!!! Worst experience of my entire life. Random «employees», wearing disgusting clothes, pointed me in the wrong directions. Waited for 5 minutes staring at people who tried to look busy, but were just too lazy to help me themselves. Cashiers didn’t know what they were doing. and had to pick up product in stingy basement (sketchy). The «security guard» is nasty and think’s he’s important, and the girl that brings your item to you is just as lazy and slow moving.
THEN they double charged my credit card, and I was transferred 6 TIMES on the phone before I finally made it to a VOICEMAIL. Called again, and was, thankfully, only transferred 3 times. –_​-​.
I want NOTHING to do with this store ever again. Disgusting people. Horrible service. Prices aren’t even that great. Might as well buy your electronics, etc, from more REPUTABLE dealers.

Love this mad store. They have everything you need. Best Buy Union Square– 24 hours. J&R – SELECTION max. Also, savvy tech staff (Important!)
Also x2, they have music CDs on 2 floors, a beloved novelty in 2013, in all I believe 4 floors of goodies to nerd and rock yourself out
Go to geek out in the city

Rude Customer Service, and does not honor the «Low Price Guarantee.» I recently called them about a Cannon T4i camera that I was looking to buy. I found the camera less expensive on another website (
) and the representative told me that the price was too low and he would not match it. He tried negotiating with me, but dropped the camera price by about $ 25.
His response was that he was not sure if Best Price Photo is «Authorized.» However, when I asked him if he wanted to look at the site, he said that he «knew what it said.» That leads me to believe that they have heard of Best Price Photo before.
This company has clearly dishonest marketing on their website, and a company that I would avoid doing business with. As much as I enjoy NYC, it is clear that this company is in some shady marketing and not trustworthy. If you need electronics, just go to
for a similar or better price and avoid J&R with their sketchy business practices. It is only a matter a time before someone brings a lawsuit to J&R for false marketing. If you don’t mean it, don’t say it.
Lastly, when I told the rep that I would write a review about this, he couldn’t have cared less. Time to share my review some other places!

Just go to B&H, if it’s Sabbath or a big jewish holiday? Just wait. I rushed and bought my Sony NEX-​5 here because I just HAD to have it NOW. The sales people weren’t knowledgeable at all and when I ended up arriving at the conclusion that I’d be better off with another model in the week following the purchase, I was made to pay a 5% restocking fee.
Do you miss the good olé days of piss poor customer service and having your interactions feel like that of a used car dealership? If so, J&R is the place for you, otherwise I’d go to B&H or just grab it off amazon.

The first time I went to J&R to buy a guitar amp, it was a little slow, service wise (they had to find and bring the amp down from upstairs) but overall, not a bad experience.
The 2^nd time, I went to the audio section to buy some headphones and cables. As many have noted, the salesmen in J&R are sometimes a little pushy, but I was able to convey to this guy exactly what I wanted. I picked out the headphones i wanted in the computer system, he printed out my slip, grabbed my cables and I paid at the register.
Waiting for my headphones, I was able to observe the chaos in the merchandise pick up area. People show their receipt to the pick up guy, he buzzes up to the warehouse and they send him down the merch, simple, right? Except none of the numbers were matching up, the warehouse guys were sending down the wrong products and everyone waiting was getting really upset.
After 30 minutes and repeated attempts to get my headphones, I ask the floor manager what was up. He took my receipt and started making calls, then started searching the floor.
30 more minutes pass and after talking on the phone again, he says I have been sold a pair of headphones that they do not have in the store. No idea when they will get more in. Instead of granting me an instant refund, he says I will have to wait 5 days to be credited for my purchase. Because I still needed the cables, I’m forced to make another transaction on top of the one I’m to be credited for. (They couldn’t even split up the receipt).
*Update: I have since been credited my money, but my wasted afternoon cannot be undone.