I have done business with places like this for decades. They were always just places. Get in, get out. Get your business done. Maybe a friendly chat. Nothing much to admire. Could really use a little sprucing up actually.Times have changed. Now I realize this really is the end of an era - right here at 159 Bowery. Real, living history. You don't have to read about it or travel to Europe - you can walk in now and meet Brian and his father tinkering in the back. Two generations of a three generation business started in 1910 by Brian's grandfather. More photos here.
Faerman's offers good, knowledgeable service, New York Style. What does that mean? Well, it means we're busy, perhaps a little harried (we're not overstaffed with incompetents) and we need to get to the point quickly. Like a surgeon in ER. Competent, quick. Cut to the chase. No graduates from charm school here. No frills or slick corporate beatitudes like - "How may I serve you today?" which unfortunately is typically code for "I can only recite this line and not really do much to help you."
When you go to a place like Faerman Cash Register you are dealing with the quintessential New York family run business. People who know what the hell they are doing and talking about. The same people answer the phone. No layers between you and tech. A place that's real. And I love the humanity of it all - I miss that.
Of course, you can get all manner of scales and cash registers, both new, used and antique at Faerman. But I imagine you're not reading this for scale and cash register buying recommendations :)
Am I over romanticizing? - not at all. Go see for yourself. Tell Brian I sent you. Don't overstay your visit - they've got work to do. And hurry because I can really feel history slipping right between my fingers and it's a little sad ....
Footnote: In the time I have started this website I have already seen some disappearing acts. CBGB was just down the street from Faerman and is now closed. Space Surplus Metals is out of business.
Related: See my stories on Economy Candy and Eileen's Cheesecake.
6 comments:
Maybe they will be an exception and get to stay, maybe they bought their building long ago, or they are making enough money to carry on...
Beautiful store, and nice posting.
I agree, Lucy. Nice posting. I do hope Faerman's is there when I visit again this fall. I will stop by. Thanks. Valerie.
Hi,
at this time I've also to say something. I'm from Austria and I'm a very very big fan of your city. I visit your page every day.
I've visited NYC twice, the last time it was January this year. I love your stories and your photos. You show us the most beautiful and interesting places of the city. I've visited some of them because of your advice (like "The bite" and "Think noodles".
I love the stores you show today. This is what I call New York. Please stay on showing us these wonderful places and thank you so much for sharing!
Have a great time and greetings from Europe - Martina
Fantastic shot. I went to see Billy Crystal in Sydney this year (wonderful show) and he talked lots about his father's old time record and music shop in new york.
Wonderful post, and heart-achingly true.
hi. our names are Nikki, Mara, and Judie. We are Brian's family and we think this place is awesome! come buy all of your office and restaruant equipment here now! we've never seen quite a knowledgable staff (aka our dad and our grandpa/poppy). this is a fine family owned business with years of experience. when i'm opening up my own store, i know to see the experts at Faerman Cash Register Co.! They always have your best interest in mind.
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