Sunday, August 31, 2008

The Amazing World of B&H

Fashion week isn't just a parade of fashion. It's also, especially for bloggers, time to parade the tech goodies. And if you are desperate for something new, something upgraded, and something involving lots of stuff I don't understand, go to the New York City's best electronics store, B&H. Yesterday I tagged along as George (left, tripod shopping) utilized some coveted gift certificates.



B&H is so widely loved it has a worldwide reputation. The store is big but ridiculously well organized. I wish these guys could drop by my apartment and do a little arranging. B&H has everything and help is everywhere. Every section has floor staff waiting to assist (see George above). And their staff is so well-trained and knowledgeable, it's common practice for them to talk someone out of a pricier item if they think it doesn't fit their customer's needs. It's like a salesperson telling you those $289 jeans look awful on your ass, why not just get some of these $59 jeans that are perfect for your body type? Hahahahahaha, I know, naive, right? Not at B&H.

I pretended to pay attention while George talked to the camera guy about lenses and junk, but really I was distracted by this:

B&H really knows how to extend a shopper's high. When you decide what you want, they don't just hand it to you and let you go on your merry way. No, instead they give you a receipt, and put your box on this crazy conveyor belt! If you're lucky, you can watch it roll away, yes, AWAY from you! This is your time to savor how you felt when you first said yes, I'll take it. And maybe, if you're fast enough, you can chase your package through the store. You know we love something so much more if we have to chase it. I didn't actually see anyone do this, but a girl can dream.

click on these photos and look at the crates on the belt above everyone's head. Rad!










After paying, you go to conveyor belt central (above) and pick up your item. Even better, I've heard rumors of a basement conveyor system that is like the king of conveyor belt set-ups. I did witness a big traffic jam of crates being shunted to the basement. Cool!






More pics:

To distract me from the sight of a #4 Jets jersey (grrrr, it's like Chad never existed),

George showed me these:

Bags! Have you heard of Crumpler? I hadn't. They're supposed to be A+ bags for computers and etc.








Vests! Not as cute as Bebe Design Lab vest, however.
B&H is a no-brainer, but here's some tips: the owners observe the Sabbath, so they close early on Friday and aren't open on Saturday. As you can imagine, Sunday is packed. George has experienced this, and said although the staff is efficient, you will be waiting in line. So if you have to go on the weekend, go early. Or go today, since everyone's at the beach! B&H is also open on Labor Day, from 10am - 7pm.

B&H, 420 9th Avenue between 33rd & 34th. Go here for more information on their New York Superstore located in the 34th Street district.

19 comments :

Songy said...

This is going to included in my list of places to visit in NYC!

Thank you.

Sharon S said...

This sounds like being in the back of the airports conveyor system for suitcases, haha!!

Elizabeth said...

I wish we had that here. We only have the big chain stores, and they're full of people who don't know their products.

I LOVED that conveyor belt shot.

Anonymous said...

B&H saved my life when I lost my camera in a cab in NYC in Feb....! I was amazed how efficient it was!

Kira Aderne said...

wow!
fantastic, thanks a lot for the very important tip :)

a kiss!!!

Seeker said...

Like enc I wish we had it here.

xoxo

emily said...

it looks amazing!

Imelda Matt - The Despotic Queen of Shoes said...

Cool...I this kind of store, it releases my inner nerd. Btw Crumpler is an Aussie brand and their bags are triple A +

Danz said...

Great store! I would need a place like this because I would be totally clueless shopping for electronics!

Prunella Jones said...

I'm jealous. We only have Best Buy here.

Unknown said...

Love, love, love your blog!

Anonymous said...

the conveyor belt has sold me! i would chase my item through the store just to follow that conveyor belt! =) i'd look like an ecstatic fool. <3

Unknown said...

ya its great coverage
thanx bunny

Angela said...

i leave all my electron buying to bf and brother.

Anonymous said...

WOW. My hubby is a professional photographer, and has ordered about a billion things online from B&H, but somehow we've never made it over there. Even thought we visit NYC fairly frequently. Gotta show him this post!

Jen (MahaloFashion) said...

Just a week or so till the fashion weeks begin, can't wait!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your kind words. This is very gratifying and greatly appreciated.

Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video

ButterflyDiary said...

Nice! I am lazy when it comes to shopping so I end up going only to Apple or the internet. But I LOVE organized electronics and I need a new light box...so...

Lipstick said...

Oh I just love this post. When I was little we would shop at Service Merchandise and they had the same conveyer belt system. I remember thinking it was so cool. Glad you had a fab shopping trip and thanks for the time travel too.