New York, NY – New Yorkers flocked to B&H in the Garment District, turning the electronics and camera store into the “hottest club in town” as they scrambled to secure eclipse sunglasses. The demand for these specialized glasses stemmed from the upcoming solar eclipse set to occur on Monday, April 8, visible in New York between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m.
With the risk of eye damage from viewing a solar eclipse without proper protection, hundreds of people crowded into B&H to purchase the essential eyewear. Despite many companies offering free eclipse glasses, the frenzy at B&H prevailed due to the mounting excitement surrounding the rare celestial event.
Noah Hurwitz, who traveled an hour from Ridgewood, Queens, to B&H, described the scene as lines snaked throughout the store, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bustling nightclub. The store sold single pairs of eclipse glasses for $1.29 and specialized sunglasses for $39.95, with options available in packs ranging from 4 to 20 pairs.
As New Yorkers navigated the crowded store to get their hands on eclipse glasses, tensions rose, with reports of altercations breaking out among customers vying for the limited eyewear in stock. The prospect of witnessing a rare celestial event like a solar eclipse prompted many to endure long waits and chaotic scenes at popular retailers like B&H.
Despite the challenges of obtaining eclipse glasses, residents like Bushwick resident Jason deCastro expressed their determination to secure a pair for the upcoming eclipse. Even with long lines and packed stores, the anticipation of witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime event outweighed the inconvenience for many eager eclipse viewers.
As the city gears up for the Great North American Solar Eclipse, the last total eclipse to grace the US for the next 20 years, New Yorkers find themselves caught in the excitement and frenzy of preparing for the celestial spectacle. With millions of Americans expected to witness the eclipse firsthand, traffic congestion and a sense of anticipation envelop the city in anticipation of this rare astronomical event.