SEARCH & DESTROY 25 Saint Marks Place, Manhattan, New York,

"The staff motto in this store: if you seek, we will destroy. In other words, don't bother coming in to browse their tightly packed racks of overpriced wares unless you want to be destroyed by their rude and condescending staff! This is not a comfortable shopping experience for the faint of heart; expect to be followed like a hawk, glared at and basically bullied into making a quick exit."

"Been going to this place since early high school and it’s usually great except the staff is horribly rude to customers. I spent not even 15 minutes in there and everything I picked up to try on or show my friend, I put back exactly like I found it. Then suddenly, while on my way to put something back in the place I found it at, one woman (of Asian descent, skinny, medium height) blocked my way back to the middle of the store and asked me if I was planning on buying anything. I was, actually. But after reluctantly allowing me to put back the item in my hands, she told me that she witnessed me messing around. Clearly I was making a point the whole time to respectfully return everything I had touched to its place. I should have dropped the item at her feet with the way she was treating us. Clearly you can’t “search” at Search & Destroy without harsh judgement. She was basically telling me to leave and saying I trashed her already trashed store. It’s no wonder the staff can’t stay consistent. They are horrible. Great store, terrible staff."

"Today I had a good feeling while walking through union square, and for the first time in several years I decided to stop in to Search and Destroy. It turns out my premonition was good, because I found my pair of dream boots, the kind I’ll wear for the rest of my life, and at a price so low it was shocking. I don’t understand how S&D has earned a reputation for being expensive in some circles; I restore and resell leather and vintage textiles as a hobby, and many of the pieces I saw today were priced VERY fairly. I saw full genuine leather jackets for $20, Goodyear welted boots for $50, classic Levis at below the price of places like L train etc. If you have an appreciation for subculture of any kind, you won’t find a better curated collection anywhere else in the city—because Search and Destroy is owned and run by real punks. The block itself has changed so much since I started going there in the early 2000s, but Search and Destroy hasn’t. It’s one of the few places left in the area that still has that New York magic."

"Are they rude? Absolutely, but it gives a genuine appeal to the shop. As someone from out of state, I thoroughly enjoyed the store and appreciated the novelty of the store. Over priced, sure but gotta maintain rent in NYC they can make a buck off some stuck up New Yorker. Lots of digging, wish they had a bigger space as it's a bit overwhelming. A store like this would definitely do well in Phoenix!"

"I discovered this place in high school. I used to enjoy coming here, I collected a lot of great pieces over the years. However, I recently came here with a friend from Paris. I was excited to show her this gem. When we arrived the staff members were very rude and not helpful. One of the salesmen had an attitude helping us. So disappointing not only did this leave a bad impression on my friend but I will never come here again nor recommend ever again. Great clothes but terrible service!!!"