sector: Electronics
district: Chelsea
420 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001, United States
In a nutshell
Old-Skool pro-tech emporium. Deep stock, deep knowledge, old-school service (knowledgable, grumpy, helpful if you're quick!), with multichannel prowess.
In their words
“Get to know the people who know your gear best.
B&H is not a big box store, or a faceless chain... or a personality-free zone. B&H is a group of people who are passionate about the things you're passionate about—from photography, film, music and audio to art and technology, creating and imagining.”
Visit Field notes
The old-skool 1950s vibe (signage, layout, flooring, decor) is exemplified by the ceiling-hung conveyor belts that move product around the store to the cages for payment and pickup. Part future, part past, this is a steampunk emporium to tech, to modernity and to history. A must-visit for the product, staff and experience.
During COVID they converted their service points into perspex-clad online service areas - video-conferencing with a member of staff. Since the pandemic the "call a staff member" has continued, brining the one-to-one expertise to more people. In addition the store has a long history of knowledgeable and accessible gear reviews on its YouTube channel.
Other Reading
The store's history on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%26H_Photo
LAST VISITED
18/11/2024
Added
2019
COMPARE WITH
A pop-up store for winter 2024-5 in the heart of Soho. A "locker-room" fit-out and plenty of red vinyl is in keeping with the brand's values. The store blends NYC-specific products with promotions.
The flagship is an homage to Brooklyn, with stainless steel, oak and brick. The monolithic kiln-like brick centrepiece dominates the apparel+sneakers+treats destination.
New brand showcase store featuring an exhibition space, cafe and learning area for this heritage-meets-technology photography and imaging brand.
Samsung goes one further than the Apple Store
Similar shops
This store encapsulates the vision to be the future of the pet industry - services, expertise, learning and health. A real destination.
A lab/clinic/party setting in which you blend your own lipstick shades, lip balm etc. Appointments range from an hour (for one person) to all-day events for larger groups.
A Meatpacking showcase for the electric-first, chunky 'Adventure vehicles" - experience, learning, configuration and test drives, with lots of lifestyle design queues in a generous location.
The global doyen of luxury is now interactive! Taking a leaf from Glossier, the Atelier allows you to experiment, adjust, blend and personalise your makeup - supported by the friendly and knowledgeabl...
Confident, swish, if off-the-track setting for this luxury second-hand handbag operation - luxurious lounge meets science lab and robot warehouse. A must-see.
A 'clubhouse' store for the high-end cycling brand, offering a full range of cycling products alongside a cafe and an active cycling club.
