J & R Music and Computer World
Categories: Videos and Video Game Rental, Appliances, Photography Stores & Services, Office Equipment, Kitchen & Bath, Mobile Phones, Electronics, Computers [Edit]
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Civic CenterPark Row
New York, NY 10038 (800) 806-1115
- Nearest Transit:
Chambers-Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall (4, 5, 6, J, M, Z)
City Hall-Broadway (R, W)
Fulton St-Broadway-Nassau (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, M, Z)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat 9:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Sun 10:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
49 Reviews for J & R Music and Computer World
Decent prices, but be sure you really absolutely positively want what you're buying. Returning items here is a nightmarishly long process - you'll be banished to the Basement of Doom. You've been warned!
This is so far the worst customer-service I've had in NYC, and that's saying a lot. I went in there looking for a laser pointer (a 6+ multi-building store should have that somewhere right?). So the first salesguy I see asks me if I need help (while simultaneously checking me out). I say No, Thanks, and move on to the next guy. Salesguy #2 says yeah try the 2nd floor. I go to the 2nd floor and Salesguy #3 says try the 3rd floor. Salesgirl #1 on the 4th floor says to go to the 2nd floor. Salesguy #4 on the 2nd floor says yeah the laser printers are right over there, and then turns to continue his conversation with Salesgirl #2. I say laser pointers, not printers. and he says yes laser printers, right over there and rolls his eyes at Salesgirl #2. I go back to the 3rd floor to continue this search on my own at which point who I think is Salesguy #5 comes to find me (the first person that does) and asks if I need help. I look around to address the question, and I see that Salesguy #5 is actually a security officer. I say I need help finding a product, and he says maybe I can help you (while again checking me out). Clearly, neither the security nor the sales staff has received or understood appropriate job descriptions during their training. I might understand an underpaid sales staff not being motivated/able to help customers, but then why hire 1000s of them? There are more sales staff than customers in that store, mostly just socializing, or staring. I made one last attempt on my way out the 1st floor, asking if they had a comment card I could fill out about my experience. Salesgirl #3 turns to Salesgirl #4 and says "Aren't those on the 2nd floor...?"
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Damn this place is gheto. Yes, so gheto it can't afford the second "t." It felt like I was shopping in a third world country (or at least a backwater of Iowa) that just happened to carry what appears to be every possible electronics-related item known to man.
That being said...the prices are pretty stellar. However, the help seems...not so helpful.
Do your research online, check out their prices, then be prepared to scour through their maze of a store for your item and then stand in line for a frighteningly long time to pay for your item with their incredibly outdated credit card and cashier system.
Are you sure this place exists in the 21st Century?
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Decent place. Staff is friendly and quick. But if you made a purchase on phone then you have to go to another place to pick up.
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J&R is my favorite and in my opinion the best electronic store in the greater New York area. I first came here with my dad when he went to pick up my computer that had been fixed. I went to the music store and I was so happy to find the latest AC/DC remaster (Ballbreaker) on sale for 6.99. I was so happy, so I browsed the store and found many more albums on sale for 6.99, i knew I had to come back, and I did many times. Ive purchased many albums for 6.99 here which is such an amazing price. The prices at the other stores arent bad either. The videogames are priced decently, and the computers are also. You can find everything here and I suggest buying one thing from here before you die, cause its that amazing of an experience.
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I placed a phone order to put on hold for the most expensive air conditioner that they have in the size i was looking for. I explained I was coming down all the way from 200th street to do a pickup at the Park Row store. I arrived with a few minutes before closing and I was told that they can't let me because I have no proof that I placed such a hold. I had a piece of paper on which i wrote down my order number and they said "that is not a receipt, you can't come in because all the people have left" and there are people still on line, all the cashiers are still there and they won't let me in to pick up my order. This is the worst. I spend literally an hour getting down from the top of manhattan all the way down to the store and customers were still in the store, and I had explained to the sales person that I was coming and they wouldn't let me into the store and it was a complete waste of time. So much for wanting to give them my business.
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Dave at J&R restored my faith in the ability of people to give good customer service.
I saw a GPS device on their website I liked so I called to see if it was in stock at the store. Called up, was transferred a couple times until I reached Dave at 1 Park Row. Told him what I wanted, he said it was in stock, asked my name and what time I might be in. I gave him my name, told him early afternoon.
Got there around 2:30, found Dave and he had my product set aside with my name on it. He then told me the ins and outs about setting up the unit -- what to do, what not to do, etc. He could have easily had me go to checkout without telling me anything about how to work the unit but he was very helpful, and as I had done my research I knew what he was telling me was accurate. Fantastic service.
Dave was so helpful, I decided to adopt him, which I knew would be a challenge because he is about my age. We went to City Hall, filled out the paperwork I walked out with my new son. I have 14 days in which to return him, but I have to save the receipt and return him in his original clothes.
I had a hard time explaining this to my wife, and now tonight it is a bit awkward. I have buyer's remorse. As Dave is sitting on the couch reading a book, and I am wondering what the hell I was thinking. I mean, he has really great customer service skills, but is this really a reason to adopt a middle-aged man? How much am I supposed to feed him? Is he allergic to anything?? Should we be playing catch or something?
I'll be returning him tomorrow. In his original clothes.
I hope my wife moves back in.
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Ever since I was little Roddy I've been coming here. Hell, I remember when it was just J&R Music World, and sold nothing but records and cassettes. Yes, I've been coming here that long. I'm just amazed at how big it has gotten since then. That they take up pretty much the entire block on Park Row is mind boggling.
On the occasions that I do buy CD's I usually come here. Their prices tend to be cheaper than Virgin Megastore and Best Buy. They have a whole boatload of older catalog titles as compared to those other stores. And their video department is also top notch as well. I still get a little perturbed when I'm stopped at the front gate and made to check in my bag. Yeah, because when you look at me I just oooooooze crime and thievery.
the computer department, however, is probably the biggest asset. Lots and lots of software, hardware, accessories, and even lots of Apple stuff too. And the most video game selections in the city, bar none.
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The best thing about J&R is that it's incredibly convenient. You can get a DVD, a vacuum and an electric guitar in the span of one block. Prices aren't bad and employees are willing to hold products that you see online but want to pick up in store.
However, I wonder sometimes what their hiring criteria are considering their ads brag about their knowledgeable salespeople. It's really perplexing when the clerks in the music section give you a dumbfounded look when you ask for any album, from Bad Brains to the Beatles. And their surly Soviet-bloc cashier ladies don't help matters either as they will treat you as if you single handedly directed the Stalinist purge that got their grandpa shipped off to the gulag.
My best advice is to research what you want before you go. You'll get out of there faster and won't have to rely on their "expert" advice. Also remember that there are often checkouts on the various levels within each individual store, so if a line seems too long at one, go up a floor and you might find a free register.
WANT LOW PRICES & WANT IT NOW?
Here's my tip for today:
If J&R has an item that you want:
- check their price online
- if item price says "Our Low Price Guarantee"
- then, check out prices for stuff online with other dealers (NewEgg, etc.)
--*note: the competitor has to be an authorized dealer
- if you've found a better price on a competitor's website, then...
- call J&R, speak to Sales Department and ask to match the competitor's price
- if J&R can verify the price, they'll meet or beat the price
*Note: this can work great for large items that are costly to ship and/or when you don't want to wait for shipping. At J&R, you'll pay tax, but you'll get it now & not have to wait for the brown boys (UPS) to shlep it over to y'allz.
This place is like Fry's Electronics in Southern California.
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When I used to work at 7 WTC this was my lunch location every other Wednesday (pay day). Great selection of CDs. I could always find what I wanted and usually some stuff I did not know I wanted. The biggest issue was that the Jazz/Classical Stores were in separate stores.
I have not been in a while (iTunes has taken all the fun out of shopping for music) so I am not sure of all the changes.
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These guys really helped me when I was in a total bind yesterday. Got the camera I needed shipped across the country for Saturday delivery, no problems at all. Competitive prices and friendly service set my mind at ease. *sigh of relief* I have no reservations about using J &R in the future.
From a pricing standpoint, J & R is probably one of the best places to buy electronics, computer equipment, and digital cameras, etc. However, when making high-end purchases, I've never received the attention that I thought was necessary to really get the answers to questions that I needed. Inevitably, I've always felt rushed and intruded by the rudeness of other customers inpatiently waiting. Oftentimes the counter, especially at the digital camera section of the J & R complex, can get swarmed by customers.
B & H on 9th Ave is a much better place in terms of getting the attention you need when purchasing high-end electronics, audio equipment, video cameras, cameras, etc.
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I remember when J&R was just a few stores scattered throughout the block and now it's taken over most of the mom and pop stores to become one giant place to buy consumer electronics, cds, and movies. The prices are usually cheaper than best buy and circuit city. They even have an outlet store but i've never found anything good there.
J&R sucks! They suck worse than Fry's. If you've ever been to Fry's, you know exactly what I mean. I bought a USB cable to upload photos from my camera to my notebook. Turns out, cable didn't work so I went back to J&R to return it. Here's the return procedure:
1) Go to J&R's camera store to return at cashier station of where I bought my cable. Cashier informs me to go to returns dept, two stores down. (J&R is a huge emporium that separates each category by little shops.)
2) Go to Customer Service desk of second store. CS lady tells me to go down two flights to return my cable. Ohhh-k...
3) Go to the bowels of said store, the returns dept guy takes my return and gives me a return slip in duplicate plus my receipt to take to the cashier upstairs if I wanted to get my credit card refund.
4) Go back upstairs and wait in cashier line. Get to cashier and show slip, cashier tells me that refunds are processed by the Customer Service.
5) Go to CS and finally get my credit card refunded. I signed the return slip and cc refund slip. She separates my duplicate and staples my return slip copy and cc refund slip copy.
I am astounded and dumbfounded at this point. I vow to never come back!
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J & R was the place to shop before the days of Best Buy, CompUSA and probably still is. If it's something you can't find at Best Buy, Circuit City or CompUSA, then J & R may have it. The store has a huge selection and I like how it is divided into stores (appliances, DVDs, music, etc...). J & R usually have Friday only deals. There are some DVDs or import CDs that I will find at J & R that I won't find at Best Buy or Circuit City, albeit pricey.
I used to frequent this store on weekends and during the days I worked in downtown NYC.
I was on their website and try to get them to match a price, but on my first and only attempt, they were not able to match the price of an item that I found a lower price for at newegg.com. However, to give them credit, they did try to give me the lowest price they can offer.
One thing to bear in mind, the prices are not always the best. You really need to research into what you plan to buy before buying as the store only offers store credit and you as the consumer should know the market. The in store staff can be weak in terms of knowledge of the product offerings and its specifications. On one occasion, I went through two sales associates and then a manager. Even the manager couldn't answer my queries.
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If your shopping for electronics, you really have to check this place out first...they have a wiiide variety of electronics to choose from and most of the time least expensive than all other electronic shop...
one thing though, before you buy something here, make sure its a definite yes! the return policy here pretty sucks! (refer to firs review, to understand better!)
Note: This review is for their website.
If I could give them 0 stars, I would. Absolutely horrible experience. The only good thing was the prices I got.
Ordered 2 dvds on 11/22. Kept checking my order status online and it would say "processing". Finally, when seeing that same status on 12/3, I emailed them asking if it shipped. Girl replied back it shipped 11/26. That's all she wrote. Nothing came so in 12/7, I sent another email (yes, I should've called). Diff girl writes back it'll ship out that day, the 7th and I would be receiving an email w/tracking info.
Yep...never got any info. Finally emailed them on 12/12 stating my displeasure with their service and where the heck is my order blah blah blah. When no response from them, I finally called to cancel my order. I was polite to the woman because I figured it wasn't her fault she works for a lousy co.
She said they would upgrade my shipping to UPS at no extra charge (well, gee...thanks!).
What happens? I get an email on 12/19 that my order just left NY and it would arrive here on 12/28!
Good thing these DVDS weren't Christmas presents (I told JR it was so they would rush it but did they care? Obviously not).
I will NEVER buy from them again. Not when I am in NY and definitely never on-line.
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The only advice I can give about this place that should be said again:
Don't buy anything that you think there might be a remote chance of returning. You may just end up saying half way through the process "F*ck it!" It is unnecessarily complicated and includes no fewer than 2 separate buildings and two separate people.
Otherwise the place is great.
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With so many cheaper options on the internet, the only reason to go to J&R is for instant gratification. When you are downtown and you just have to have it now, or you want to fondle some new technology before you order it online, go here.
The reason for the three stars is a long story but worth it. I am home in 2004 in the middle of watching a Tivo'ed episode of Alias with my wife when my seven-year-old TV spontaneously dies and refuses to come back to life. My wife immediately turned to me and said the most romantic words to me that she has ever said: "Do you want to go TV shopping?" The clouds parted, the sun shined down on our apartment and the angels sang. Before she had a chance to change her mind, I immediately got up to get ready for the walk over to J&R. Two hours later we are wheeling a new 52" TV the three blocks home on a cart. I had already researched the technology and knew what I wanted. When we got there, she picked out my desired TV without my direction (woohoo!) and agreed to the purchase. That night we basked in the glory of 52 inches of high definition DLP goodness. Ahh, life is good.
The employees don't know their stuff and ignore you most of the time. J&R sells almost everything, though. There are separate shops for CDs and DVDs, computer gear, video and audio gear, cameras along the same block on Park Row, so you may need to hop between shops if you need lots of different stuff. So, when that magic opportunity arrives demanding instant gratification, carpe diem.
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I've had both good and bad experiences here.
Pros: massive selection, close to public transportation, decent prices.
Cons: crazy layout, with different departments in different buildings that are not connected and hard to find; weird salespeople; and in-store stock that is never up to the selection of its website--which is strange because its warehouse is supposed to be onsite. It's always hard as hell to find what you want and no one really helps you. The return policy sucks too.
But I will stick with three stars for having the things I needed in stock for a good price comparable to the internet. But if I had any choice in the matter, such as waiting the few days to order what it was from anywhere else on the internet, I'm sure I wouldn't go to J & R.
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For an electronics store, the J&R has the most impressively inefficient and complicated paper documentation process I've ever seen.
Forms are printed out with multiple carbon copies which are sent between the different storefronts using pneumatic tubes. Like, literally pneumatic tubes.
Things are stamped, sticker'd & signed for. Depending on your checkout point you might use an old-timey credit card processing unit that carbon copies the imprint of your card. In the corporate pickup office, there are desks overflowing with stacks of paper, and ancient computers.
Half the awkwardness of Terry Gillam's 'Brazil', twice the selection of a Best Buy, and none of fascist overtones.
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Big selection, big store, but not necessarily the best price. The Radioshack on Fulton St. had what I was looking for at a better price. Know what you want before you go. I wish someone told me how annoyng it is to return something at this store. I waited at the register and was told to leave the building and walk to another building, take a number to get a slip to take to another building...was an interesting treasure hunt they put me on. But in the end I got my treasure credited back to my account. I will be more selective when shopping, if I ever go back.
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Lots of popping in and out of store fronts, it can get confusing at some points but just ask and you'll find eventually what you're looking for.
I actually really enjoy their DVD selection. Its solid, never as good as you'll find online these days but for just browsing they have fair prices and loads upon loads of just great movies, and they always have rotating list of 10 dollar movies like Virgin does. They were the only place in the city to have Crime Story Season 1 (terrible DVD package but great, great show). And its not so slick, its just nice to walk around.
I've been in there for computer parts as well, and they are fine for that as well, again the prices are truly decent.
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This is the best electronics store in NYC next to B and H. They have almost everything. Best Buy/CompUSA pale in comparison. It's great place to go if you know what you want and get out. The customer service here is hit or miss. Some of the people who work here aren't the greatest sales people or people in general, but it's expected from any retail store. I mostly go here to pick up my video games (they have a nice selection) or check out camera equipment before I buy online.
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An incredible array of stores that carry cameras, computer equipment, home appliances and A/V systems. The prices are competitive with B&H's, although I would compare them online before buying a big-ticket item from either one of them.
A less known fact about J&R is that there is often room for bargaining. And the sales stereotypes play out--the slicker looking the salesperson, the less chance that they would be accommodating-- even if they ooze friendliness. If you don't believe me, try it!
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Great concept... 20 years ago.
Sure, a large electronics store offers lots of variety and can be quite convenient if you need something NOW. However, in today's Internet-age J&R just can't compare to the competition.
Don't get me wrong. We still need stores like this, but with on-line retailers like www.newegg.com offering so much variety at such low prices why would you want to actually purchase anything here?
I would recommend J&R to someone when time is a factor or if buying something large like a television. You don't want to be dealing with an e-store when trying to return a 42" television; trust me.
J&R is located across the street from City Hall and thus is accessible by many different train and bus lines. So, for convenience purposes and for the large variety I give J&r three stars. Otherwise, unless necessary, keep your shopping web-based.
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A while ago, I was looking for an inexpensive laptop.
This was my experience: I went to Circuit City (I think,) and asked for the el cheapo model advertised. Of course, they were out of stock. The salesman immediately tried to sell me another laptop that cost twice as much with high-pressure sales tactics. Of course I had to wait for 30 minutes just to find out they were out of stock of the one I wanted.
I went to Staples after that and asked for their el cheapo model. Salesman #1 immediately tries to force me to buy the EXTENDED WARRANTY. I refuse. He gets Salesman #2, who pressures me even harder, like I'm wondering if they're going to handcuff me to a chair and start pointing bright lights in my face. I still refuse. While salesman #1 goes to get my el cheapo laptop, Salesman #2 pressures me again, this time much harder, to buy the f***ing extended warranty. I'm now wondering if they're going to start injecting me with sodium pentathol or something. Salesman #1 comes back and informs me that they're OUT of stock on the laptop I wanted anyway. So all that pushiness was over a laptop they didn't have in the first place. Unbelievable.
I go to another Staples (against my better judgment,) and find out that they too are completely out of stock on this model.
Finally, after telling my sister about my horrible experiences in trying to find an inexpensive laptop, she suggested J&R. I went to J&R, picked one out, asked for it, (it was in stock!) picked it up, and paid for it. That was it. There was one mention of an extended warranty, to which I said, "no thanks," and the guy dropped it after that.
Why isn't it always this easy?
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Got an AC there lately, and J&R has an unbelievable no-return policy. There was no way to test the AC, and the sales lady could not tell us anything about the machine except that it will spew out cold air. So we lug the AC back and the damn thing is extremely loud. Now now we're stuck... I wish there was a more knowledgable and understanding person there to help, I wish they had a more reasonable return/exchange policy, and I wish they carry products that meet a certain standard.
To be fair, I have purchased a DVD player there (in a different building, a different department), and the dude who sold me that machine was knowledgable. But right now, I'm just a little pissed about the whole situation.
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J&R is ridiculous - tons of distinct stores, moronic staff, tons of confused customers. I've spent a lot of money here, though, because they just have every possible electronic gadget, and it seems that things are always in stock.
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I was recently looking to buy a new digital camera and I found a great deal at J&R. They were selling it for $20 less than any of the electronic chain stores. Due to that, they are now one of my go-to spots for good deals.
I've purchased plenty of items from J&R & its always been fine & should I have a problem they always resolve it. But if you try to return something that's a whole different story. It's a big production to return or exchange things there so be sure your not going to want to return it. The prices are good there & the selection too. Recently got an HP laptop, & HP printer, & a NotePal laptop cooler too for good deals. I think they're better then Best Buy, Circuit City etc.as far as selection & sales go.
This place has excellent deals. Check their site regularly if you're looking for something in particular. You'll do better here than Best Buy or Circuit City.
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A place this huge and comprehensive really cannot get a bad review, can it? Well, I guess it could, if it was overpriced or the service bad or some other such problem. But, nope! The main thing about J & R is just how huge it is and how you will most likely be able to find whatever you're looking for over there. The music store is a cool place to spend some time, listening to music and just browsing. Right near the old World Trade, Stuyvesant high school, city hall, etc.
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J & R carries everything and anything you can plug into or put batteries in...you can find some great deals on electronics here...its the best local electronic store in nyc for sure...forget about those other midtown, non-descript places that sell cheap cell phones/plans and overpriced (probably used) electronics...
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This is probably one of the cheapest places to go if you need anything electronic. It's huge, seperated by catergory, and has everything you can think of.
Computers, cameras, televisions, and everything else electronic. If you know what you want, check the price on their website first. Sometimes the online price is cheaper -- you can get the lower price just by asking in the store. They'll also match other store's prices. J&R is a little stingy on the return policy though, officially they'll only give you store credit, unlike the big chains which will usually do a refund.
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This place is daunting. And it's not even one building. But, a shitload of buildings side by side each other. If you are looking for anything electronic. And I seriously mean anything. Go here. It's pretty incredible and surprisingly the prices are cheap. Check out there online store as well to see what they have.
BONUS FUN GAME: Try not to get lost as you stumble through row after row of electronic goodness. Also bring a mop so you can wipe off any excess drool you may accumulate on the floors.
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I first found out about J&R through word-of-mouth, which is often the most reliable source. If only reviews could talk. My experience at J&R was nothing but positive. I came with the intent to buy a camera, walked through the northwest entrance (it is a monster store, so which doors you walk through may influence what you walk out with) and found myself looking at a long counter of cameras from different makers, with a salesperson behind each brand name. A saleswoman apparently read my mind and showed me the most perfect camera for me. Apart from cameras, J&R is a mega store selling all types of electronics, and office supplies. They even sell a talking chess game.
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What a great place to find anything electronic your heart may desire (and some things you didn't even know you wanted!). This place is particularly great for those of us that don't know every technical detail of what you want by heart! CDs galore, and at average prices (some good sales, and as has been noted, some hard to find stuff). You really can find anything here, but really its the super-techy stuff (for me, this includes anything that is likely to have a model number associated with it) that is great to shop for here. The staff will help you by asking the right questions for the non-tech-geek within, like what are you going to use this camera for? Always nice to have someone speak in plain English when deciding on that new camera/computer/fax machine/whatever.
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