B&H Photo Video

So here's the thing about B&H Photo - it's basically become this legendary institution in the tech and photography world, and honestly, for good reason. Founded back in 1973 in Manhattan, this place has grown from a small camera shop into what's now the largest non-chain photo and video equipment store in the entire United States. That's kind of a big deal.

What makes B&H different? Well, they've got this massive 70,000 square foot SuperStore in New York City that's become something of a destination. Picture this: they've got an overhead conveyor belt system running along the ceiling that transports products throughout the store - it's like watching a mini logistics operation in action. But it's not just about the spectacle. The real draw is their inventory. We're talking about roughly 300,000 items in stock at any given time, covering everything from professional cameras and lenses to computers, drones, audio equipment, and pretty much any tech gear you can imagine.

And here's where it gets interesting - B&H isn't your typical big-box retailer. The company is family-owned and operated by observant Hasidic Jews, which means they close for Shabbat every week (Friday afternoon through Saturday evening) and on Jewish holidays. Even their website checkout shuts down during these times. Some might see this as inconvenient, but it's actually kind of refreshing to see a company stick to its values in today's 24/7 retail world.

The customer service reputation is legit, too. Consumer Reports named them the number one electronics retailer in 2016, and Newsweek has given them Best Customer Service awards multiple years running. Their sales staff actually knows their stuff - they're trained extensively on the products they sell, which means when you call or chat with them, you're getting real expertise, not just someone reading off a spec sheet.

But B&H isn't stuck in the past. They've embraced the digital age hard. Their website is consistently rated as one of the best e-commerce experiences out there, and they've built up a massive YouTube presence with tutorials, reviews, and educational content. They even host an annual event called Bild Expo that drew 50,000 attendees in 2025, featuring over 130 speakers and 250 exhibitors.

One thing that sets them apart is their approach to pricing. They don't really do the coupon game - what you see is what you get, and their prices are typically competitive right out of the gate. They offer a 30-day return policy on most items, though there are some restrictions on computers and certain electronics. And if you're a student or educator, they've got an EDU Advantage program with special discounts.

The company's also expanded beyond just retail. They've got a huge used equipment department with a 90-day warranty, they offer trade-ins, and they've even launched their own store credit card called Payboo that helps customers avoid sales tax in certain situations.