A Review of McNally Jackson (Rock Center)
1 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Is it possible for a bookshop’s prime location to also be the one thing that could make a customer steer clear? If your bookshop is right in the heart of Rockefeller Center, it could be. But, given the right time of day and year, I wouldn’t let that stop you from visiting McNally Jackson’s spectacular Rock Center location. Is it a Saturday two weeks before Christmas? Fahgettaboutit. Is it a casual Wednesday in the fall? Guess what, still busy, but not terribly so. In fact, only the surrounding street and plaza were chaotically packed when I dropped in. The store itself is a beauty on the inside and had the right mix of bustle without feeling like you’re in the Union Square 4, 5, 6 platform at rush hour. So don’t take my warning as STEER CLEAR but rather as BE READY.
If you do wade through the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of tourists and stroller-pushing families, you may find this shop to be a worthy reward. It’s spacious (even when crowded) and hosts multiple floors, levels, and nooks. I’m not going to walk you through all the sections and where to find them, because if you’ve been to any of McNally Jackson’s locations, you know they have a TON of books and one of the widest verities of subjects, genres, and styles available that you need to explore for yourself. You’re going to find fiction broken down by genre, where it came from in the world, mainstream, classic, or falling within a unique lens or view. It’s truly a marvelous shop to buy some international literature. They also had a robust graphic novel and manga section, kids and YA, and poetry, essays, lit crit.
Which segues to their equally diverse nonfiction sections, which sprawl throughout the shop and touches on every niche and subject imaginable. All the arts—music, film, photography, drama, fashion, you name it—are there, right next to all sorts of engineering, business, travel, gardening, cooking, you know the drill. It’s an impressive assortment. There are also plenty of gifts available, and a whole section of the store dedicated to high-end notebooks, stationary, pencils, pens, and other writing and recording implements. And I’m not talking the typical bookstore kitsch, but really refined writing tools.
So look, it’s a gorgeous shop. Are the crowds obnoxious? Sure, but more outside than in. But also be careful about when you try to visit. My first two attempts failed. Both time I walked in and an employee announced they were closing in 5 minutes (mid-afternoon) for private events. Yes, twice. My bad luck. But the third time was a charm and it’s worth a visit if you’re already fighting the midtown crowds. And if you’re not? McNally Jackson has plenty of other spots, all pretty remarkable, so go visit those instead.
Atmosphere — Multi-level and spacious with bright natural light and a bustling crowd on most days.
Quality — The shop focuses on new books, so the quality is excellent.
Quantity — It’s a big store with a huge number of books to sift through.
Diversity — Like their other locations and similar to Strand, this big NYC shop offers some of the best diversity you’ll find in a bookstore.
Affordability — There are discounted titles here and there but most are new book prices.
Amenities — You’re in Rock Center so there’s a lot to do and see nearby, but this isn’t really a store to lounge in. It struck me as a bit too intense and crowded for that.
Location — You’re a stone’s throw from where the tree goes up and people skate in Rock Center during the holidays, so on paper it’s an amazing location. In execution, however, get ready to fight the crowds, especially during holidays and weekends.
Customer Service — The staff pretty busy but seemed friendly enough.
Overall — McNally Jackson is one of the best regional chains out there, with incredible diversity and range of titles. All of their locations are gorgeous but this one may be their most crowded, or at least the most crowded location to get to. Worth a trip if you’re already nearby but be ready for tourists.
