The Strand — Local services in New York

Terrible customer service. I came on a Thursday afternoon (1/9/25) so there were only a handful of customers in the store. A gaggle of employees were standing behind the counter complaining loudly about a company policy. Not one of them greeted incoming customers or asked if their assistance was needed. I couldn’t find the kids books on the main floor, so I asked. When I asked where the kids section was, one young woman appeared annoyed that I had interrupted their conversation. I went downstairs, as she had instructed, and found what I was looking for. When I went back up, the same young woman behind the counter had her back to me, still talking poorly about the company with her coworkers. I waited a couple of minutes to be acknowledged or welcomed to the counter. Nothing. I proceeded to put my books down on the counter. Only then did she turn around and actually do her job. As she carried on with her coworkers, she asked me if I wanted to buy a bag and if I wanted my receipt. Those were the only things she said to me. She clearly doesn’t want to be there and this customer felt it immensely. I believe her name is Debby. I’m a fan of The Strand and a new resident of the UWS, but I’m afraid I’ll be going elsewhere or just making the trip downtown...

I visited this satellite location in Upper West Side of The Strand in New York City on a humid July afternoon, and the collection of books inside provided a lot of respite. The environment inside is quite welcoming—I spent hours perusing the collection of both books and other literary items ranging from totes to cups.

The store is spread out on two levels—a ground floor level and a basement level. There’s a large collection of new, used, and rare books along with literary gifts and Strand-branded merch(totes, t-shirts, bookmarks, etc.) spread out across both the floors. They also host community events like weekend story times, for instance.

What I especially appreciated was the cozy layout and the calm, neighborhood vibe. It’s a perfect stop before or after a stroll through Central Park or a visit to the Museum of Natural History just a block away.

Staff were helpful without hovering, and the whole space feels like it’s meant for slow, unhurried discovery. Definitely worth a visit—whether you’re a local or a tourist looking for that classic NYC...

7.25 We visited AMONH and afterward going to Habachi for early dinner. On the way we stopped the bookstore and no greetings or acknowledgement but it was cute so we returned after our dinner with my kids and nieces. We went downstairs and love the kids area and everything was great until we were ready to check out . As I was waiting the customer before me white got customer service being asked would you like to add anything else. When it came my turn no greetings at the register, the employee names Jesse seemed frustrated as I looked to add from the register stand and at the end all I got was do you need a bag and no thank you for shopping with us . My experience of Her demeanor from the beginning was off and racist. As I moved along the next customer got I am sorry for the wait as if I took so long to finish the transition when I spent 100+ dollar. I have seen bad customer reviews here from the past of the same experience. Hire people that will equally treat people but not my skin...