JR Cigar Store in Manhattan

[RicoPuro]

Just came back from visiting the Big Apple. The JR cigars store was a must see for me. The place is impressive and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Came back home with a large bag suffed with merchandise.

My only complaint: JR does not allow photography or video in their store, I wonder what their rationale is...

Jorge

[ekkse]

RicoPuro,

I think they are just trying to protect your camera/video equipment from excess moisture condensation from damaging your equipment because the whole store is a humidor. I agree, they are helpful.

[newlifetaxidermy]

Many retail businesses do not allow photos or videos to be taken in their stores. I used to work for Lowe's and they were super anal about it.

[Rev2010]

I go to JR here in the Manhattan pretty much every Thursday. The employees are even beginning to recognize me Definitely a nice store with a huge selection. I find it a bit strange though how they don't carry some popular brands like Padron, Oliva, Rocky Patel, Tatuaje, etc.

Oh, and nearly all retailers don't allow pictures in their stores. I worked for a computer store that had the same policy many many years ago.



Rev.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by Rev2010

I find it a bit strange though how they don't carry some popular brands like Padron, Oliva, Rocky Patel, Tatuaje, etc.

That is because Lew is an arse. Those manufacturer's refuse to sell to him for that reason and because he will not go along with their set pricing that protects smaller stores.

I never buy from JR, even though I live about 15 minutes away from a store. The staff is totally incompetent in Statesville.

[madurolover]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

That is because Lew is an arse. Those manufacturer's refuse to sell to him for that reason and because he will not go along with their set pricing that protects smaller stores.

Yes he is.

[mryellowx]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

That is because Lew is an arse. Those manufacturer's refuse to sell to him for that reason and because he will not go along with their set pricing that protects smaller stores.

I never buy from JR, even though I live about 15 minutes away from a store. The staff is totally incompetent in Statesville.

well atleast he has a boss now, so maybe things will change.

[NCRadioMan]

Actually, things have gotten worse since Lew sold the majority share. They no longer sell singles of alot mid/higher end stuff but they sure do push the cheap crap that is mostly made at Lew's Santa Clara factory. I have wondered if New York isn't looking for a way to close the Statesville store. Or maybe just the cigar area.

[mryellowx]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Actually, things have gotten worse since Lew sold the majority share. They no longer sell singles of alot mid/higher end stuff but they sure do push the cheap crap that is mostly made at Lew's Santa Clara factory. I have wondered if New York isn't looking for a way to close the Statesville store. Or maybe just the cigar area.

the individual JR's must have some say in single sales. Selma has a nice selection of singles for a JR's. They have taken some of the crappers out of the showcase. I hear statesville is at the bottom of all of the retail outlets.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by mryellowx

I hear statesville is at the bottom of all of the retail outlets.

I know it is. The staff is made up of women who know knothing about cigars and smoke cigarettes all day.

[Malik23]

If you want a good shop in midtown manhattan, don't waste your time at J&R, imo. Go to De La Concha at 56th/6th or to Davidoff at 54th/Madison. In both cases, the staff is much more friendly/helpful - De La Concha is the best tobacco shop in NYC that I have been to. You'll also find an actual selection of higher-end sticks. I've not been back to J&R in about 3 years due to the lack of selection and the fact that my sticks are dry as a bone every time I buy from them.

[Rev2010]

Originally Posted by Malik23

I've not been back to J&R in about 3 years due to the lack of selection and the fact that my sticks are dry as a bone every time I buy from them.

OK, selection is one thing but "dry as bone"!? I've found quite the opposite, they tend to be too moist at time of purchase. They humidify that store like crazy, almost looks like a rainforest when walking in lol.


Rev.

[ncstogie]

The JR's in Selma and Burlington have a nice selection for a good price and the staff has been pretty good as well. Have gotten some good deals there.

[Mr. Montecristo]

Originally Posted by Rev2010

I find it a bit strange though how they don't carry some popular brands like Padron, Oliva, Rocky Patel, Tatuaje, etc.

That is one thing I hate about JR. They don't have Olivas, Rocky Patels or Padrons.

But I do order from them other stuff.

[mryellowx]

it's a good thing they don't carry some brands. they would eat up so much of their production they wouldn't be easy to find or jr's would want them to up production and possibly ruin the quality. They use to carry padron way back when before they were really popular.