[Biro]

This may not resonate as much with non-metro New Yorkers but J&R Music and Computer World (which also sold a lot of cameras) has closed its store in downtown Mahattan after 43 years. Still, they used to run newspaper ads in major newspapers across the country so they had a lot of mail, phone and, in later years, Internet orders. Apparently, they will continue to do business online and via Amazon.com.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-10/j-r-music-shutters-after-43-years-a...ttan-icon.html

I loved their old building on Park Row downtown. A really interesting place with a lot of atmosphere, even if my wife thought it was kinda creepy. I wish the Friedmans the best of luck.

[Miguel]

Growing up in NY I remember their ads for hit LPs and then stereo gear.

Things change.

M

[Biro]

And remember their television ads? Pure NYC from the day...

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

[reeftool]

I was never in the store ( I haven't been in the city in over 20 years) but was certainly familiar with the business. They advertised a lot on YES network and in the NYC newspapers. I would often compare prices with their ads back before online shopping. I'm a bit old fashioned and prefer to shop brick and mortar even though I live in the boonies and I'm forced to shop online or with catalogs. It's sad to see another store close.

[boriscleto]

I used to get their catalog all the time. I bought my scanner from them.

[ChrisPlatt]

From the late 1980's to the mid-90's my office was at 111 John Street. Many lunchtimes I shopped at J&R Music World.
When they added computers and small appliances they ate up most of the storefronts on the block opposite City Hall.

Following 9/11 there was limited access to that part of lower Manhattan. I'm sure that didn't help business.
I haven't been there in years but I suspect the downtown street trade has diminished.
Perhaps the owners want to cash in on the property, which must be worth a fortune now.

Chris

[DeadJohn]

I think they were still expanding the store circa 2005 so 9/11 isn't to blame. At their peak size they occupied almost an entire block of Park Row. They started downsizing a few years ago, moved and shrunk the camera section. They had okay prices for computers and electronics but wouldn't price match Adorama and B&H on cameras.

Real estate is a plausible reason for closing. *If* they own their space rather than lease, the owners get a huge retirement payday by selling to a developer.

[ChrisPlatt]

Some of the stories I Googled claim they are closing for renovations and a "reboot" of some sort, whatever that means.

http://www.jr.com/information/contentb.jsp?contentPath=/Content/media/html/information/thankyou.html

Chris

[DeadJohn]

^ almost every time I see a store or restaurant close for major renovations, they never reopen. My favorite Chinese restaurant has had a "closed for renovations" sign on it for 4 years.

[DeadJohn]

Update: J&R stock being auctioned off tomorrow.