A Brief History of B&H

Summary

This engaging history of B&H highlights its origins as a small photography shop opened by Blimie and Herman in 1973. Emphasizing their philosophy of honesty and customer care, B&H quickly expanded its offerings and moved locations, eventually growing into a three-story store with over 400,000 products and 1,000 employees. With a unique shopping experience that includes a famous conveyor belt for easy checkout, B&H serves millions of online orders worldwide. The owners remain active in the business, showcasing the dedication that has made B&H a beloved destination for photo and video enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 📅 B&H was founded in 1973 by Blimie and Herman in New York City.
• ⚾ The year marked significant events, including the Mets reaching the World Series and the first cell phone call.
• 🤝 The founders operated on the simple philosophy of honesty and treating customers right.
• 🍬 B&H has a tradition of offering free candy to customers, which has contributed to its popularity.
• 🏢 Over the years, B&H expanded and relocated several times, ultimately occupying a three-story building.
• 🛒 The store now features over 400,000 products across various categories, including photography, audio, and video equipment.
• 🌍 B&H ships millions of orders to 179 countries and has a strong online presence.
• 📞 Customers can interact with B&H in person, over the phone, or online.
• 🚚 The store features a conveyor belt system for easy product handling until checkout.
• 👥 The owners are still actively involved in the business, showing their commitment to the company.

Q & A

What year was B&H founded?

B&H was founded in 1973.

What was the original philosophy of B&H's founders?

The original philosophy was 'Be honest. Treat people right. And they will come back.'

Where was the first B&H store located?

The first B&H store was located at 17 Warren Street, New York City.

What types of products does B&H offer?

B&H offers a wide range of products, including photography equipment, lighting, binoculars, telescopes, audio and video equipment, tripods, computers/printers, mobile devices, televisions, projectors, and drones.

How many employees does B&H currently have?

B&H currently has over 1,000 employees.

How many orders does B&H ship, and to how many countries?

B&H takes millions of orders online and ships to 179 countries and counting.

What unique checkout feature does B&H have?

B&H has a conveyor belt at checkout, allowing customers to avoid carrying products around until they are ready to check out.

Is B&H a chain store?

No, B&H is not a chain; it is an independent store.

What days is B&H open for business?

B&H is open every day except Saturdays.

Who are the current owners of B&H?

The current owners, Blimie and Herman, are still actively involved in the business and come to work every day.