J&R Music/Computer World Plans Expansion

J&R Music/Computer World announced today they are expanding their computer, music and electronics complex by opening a new two floor digital and professional photography store on Thursday, February 7th at 34 Park Row. Many local dignitaries are expected to attend, including Governor George Pataki, who will cut the official ribbon at the grand opening ceremony at 11:45AM. The opening of J&R's new photography store will feature a never before seen series of staggering photos from the "Ground Zero: World Trade Center Photo Exhibit" being underwritten by J&R and shown at the Bolivar Arellano Gallery downtown. Among the images are photos by Todd Maisel, a respected Daily News photographer. All of the proceeds from the picture sales will go towards the Uniform Firefighters Association Widows' and Children's Fund and the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund.

J&R's new 8,000 sq. ft., two floor digital and professional photography store will serve as a haven for customers bitten by the digital camera bug and by those professional photographers in New York who are constantly seeking new sources for equipment. J&R will offer consumers more of what they have come to expect from one of the nation's largest, independently owned retailers -- a depth of catalog within each brand and educated salespeople that can help customers get the right product at the appropriate cost.

"J&R is very excited to continue the growth of our business in such a trying time in our city's history," said Rachelle Friedman, co-owner of J&R Music/Computer World. "We are committed to this city, to this neighborhood and to our customers as we continue to provide them with the products that they want and the services they have come to expect from J&R."

The floors of the new camera store will be divided into the digital camera and the professional departments. The main floor will feature every major brand of camera, including Nikon, Canon, Olympus and Minolta, as well as digital imaging equipment, frames, albums, and other photographic accessories (straps, batteries, cases, etc.). The lower level will feature professional SLRs (Single Lens Reflex), the largest selection in New York City of medium format professional cameras, including Pentax and Hasseblad, meters, binoculars, including for nighttime vision, computerized and remote telescopes, tripods, professional range finder cameras, spy cameras, slide covers, photographic paper and much more.

One of the highlights on the main floor will be the Fuji Aladdin digital imaging center, which will enable customers to utilize the on-site machine to either download images from the Web or a disc or to scan photos and print them on photographic paper. It will cost approximately $9.00 for (3) 4x6 photos, (2) 5x7 photos or (1) 8x10 photo.