I love this store, they are a great place for photographic inspiration. I have been shopping with them for several years and have found some truly unusual items. I get great sales help every time I visit with lots of personal attention. For the unusual, the one of a kind they are tops and I highly recommend the experience of shopping their amazing collection. read more

I had a great experience buying a corset from here. I already own one but wanted something in a different style and wasn't sure where to begin. Both Emily and Alex took their time with me and gave me recommendations based on my figure and style choices, as well as teaching me the proper way to wear and lace a corset. You mean stabbing chest pain isn't normal?? Yeah, turns out I've been doing it wrong, which is why I rarely wear the one I already owned. Thanks for the help guys! read more

Always wondered where goths bought those boots with 6 inch rubber pads on the bottom.

No returns policy is draconian and unacceptable, staff should learn how to deal with customers. I get it, you're goth and still think you are somehow cool. But you work in a store, selling stuff. That's it. Get over yourself and help the customers. read more

I wandered in here while shopping for a Halloween costume and immediately wondered how I had never found this place before! They have a great selection of goth, fetish and steampunk gear. Yeah, some of it's pricey, but it's definitely cheaper than Trash & Vaudeville (who I also love!) I had no problems with the staff- They were super friendly and helpful. The dressing rooms are simply small curtained off areas in the back, but that's not really an issue for me. I will definitely be back!! read more

Pricey as all hell but I enjoy looking and sometimes buying. I really like their skirts :)

I was a little afraid to shop here after checking yelp, I was pleasantly amazed. They had absolutely everything we needed for a costume, and Alex, who helped us, couldn't have been better. She knew everything, down to what was historically and time period specifically correct. I will definitely recommend to everyone! read more

Very fun looking through everything, I hate saying that most of the items were fairly priced, but they were.. good gothic clothes are just expensive in general. So yeah, the prices are not that bad for what you're getting lol A must stop every time I'm in the city. read more

???? My friends and I came in today because they are going to some weird futuristic party on Saturday. My friend has money and had full intent on buying an outfit (and he did buy a $90 item btw), but he of course first tried the product on. He's goofy and was having a bit of trouble fitting a tight item on and joked about needing assistance, when the associate close by to the fitting room rudely interrupted and said "only one person at a time." Like? No one was actually going in. No one wanted to see all that man body. (No offense, Joe). Not even a minute later, he said "what size is this? It's really small" and my friend told him it's a large in WOMENS. At this point the same associate in a GROSS TONE, yelled out that if he can't fit in it the item, to not even bother! Because it'll rip. She was clearly physically angry and fat shaming the heck out of him, even though he's not fat or even slightly chubby??? He's an average/for man, and he's competent enough to realize if the item is too small, he will not try to stretch it, so the attitude and the embarrassing shaming was completely not needed. We left because of her. We came back after he couldn't find another outfit elsewhere, and that same cashier was following us with her eyes the entire time. She was wearing an all black corset and was working today, 5/18, at like 7pm. Rude chick. read more

If you wanna shop here make sure you save lots of cash before coming. As for the staff, they mostly kept to them selves and thats cool but its a bit rude. You will mostly find big goth clothing brand that sell low quality clothing for a ridiculous amount of money. I saw a cute pair of gloves selling for $35 (which I did not buy) and compared it to the Vampire Freaks store that had the same gloves for $19.Still dont get why this shop is still open and not Vampire Freaks (which use to sell the same clothing brand for less and had an awesome staff). read more

Used to come in here a bit when I lived in the city. Now I'm on tour and just stopped in to see what goodies were here. Excited that they started selling Widow, and also in awe of the shoe collection, per usual. Which brings me to the point of my glowing review: there was a shelf with 50% off shoes, last size/last one, whatever. I found these adorable pskaufman boots that retail for $350 and had a sale price of $250, surely they weren't 50% off that. Well, to my delight, they were. The employees were very nice and patient as I bounced over to the register. We had a good little chat and they knocked the price down even more. Will be a stop every time I am in the city. Thank you guys!!! read more

This place had the coolest goth clothing and accessories ever! I was just browsing, not buying, but they do have some awesome stuff there. However, they probably didn't have anything in my size even if I wanted something, but was fun to look anyway. Stuff seems a bit overpriced too. If you want a place to browse goth clothing though, this is the place. read more

You are the kind of brick and mortar that should never end up online, as much as I love online shopping. Amazing staff and experience. Kaley, Julie and Stitch have been extremely helpful and knowledgeable about all things corset-related and in their store in general. My stepdaughter got a pair of platform boots and 3 corsets for a really good price. This place is goth Mecca with a twist of NYC. We have been there 3 times in 4 weeks and that'll only continue. Thank you!!! read more

I personally love it. I bought there beautiful coats, pants, and jackets, and it's getting better all the time. PRICEY? YES ! BUT, worth it. STITCH, is very cool helpful and cute. I really can't wait to return there for more. GR gets 5 stars from me. And an extra star for STITCH. read more

It's an alright place. It's a lot smaller than I expected, but if you're in the subculture, it's a nice place to look for something. It does get pricey though, and not necessarily something that works for me. If you like online brands of darker clothing, they have them which is nice to get to see. I mostly just saw Killstar, but I think I saw Restyle and Punk Rave too. Customer service was okayish. While I'm interested in goth subculture, my friends were not. One of my friends had brought me here because she thought I'd like it which I did. The only employee who seemed to be there was friendly toward me and smiled. However, according to my friend she was not as friendly - however nothing negative happened so it really wasn't a big deal. The counter has some information about goth events which is really interesting too. read more

I've read these reviews after I actually visited the store. But, the more recent ones seem to fit the current staff and inventory. When I was on vacation [as a birthday present] my family decided to stop by for some shopping. The store was quite large especially compared to the small boutique I normally go to. I really adored the clothes and there is a much wider variety than what the title lets on. It had steampunk, cybergoth/cyberpunk, deathrock and yes even some stuff that you'd find in the old Hot Topics. The staff was really friendly and helpful we talked almost the whole time I was in there. It was quite organized and the music playing in the background was quite lovely. I suppose it's good for Halloween costumes but as a 24/7 goth I say the stuff was great. There were only two problems, the small dressing rooms and it was a little pricey [but that could have been because of the items I bought]. read more

It's a pretty cute store. I worked in alt boutiques for almost eight years, so I understand the behind the scenes of stores like this like the back of my hand. It seemed pretty clean and well organized, and the majority of the product seemed about current. People need to stop complaining about the prices. People who complain about prices rarely have enough cash in their pocket to justify even walking through the doors. I'm sorry but $150 for a pair of unique pants isn't unreasonable. Their prices are what they are and they need to make the rent somehow. The staff didn't really offer customer service, but who cares. Stores like this have about 80-90% of their foot traffic being jackasses trying to gawk and get their rocks off on the merch, or customers who will visit, come back, try on, and gush about the same ugly $180 corset for 2 months and expect the staff to be their bff even though they rarely or never spend money. You become desensitized, and I get it because I've been there. If you are going in to just browse, that's reasonable. Just don't expect exceptional customer service without intending to actually purchase anything. Would you expect a bartender to fly down the bar all night and refill your water all night without tipping? No, of course not. The basis of you and the store's relationship is a monetary exchange for goods and services. This is not a city-subsidized guided museum tour of alt culture. I bought a few things and didn't act like a jackass so I had a just fine experience. Much better than Trash, who majors in Tripp. If you want to talk about issues in quality, you need to start there. read more

This is the best goth shop I have ever been to. Everyone working there is friendly without being intrusive, and there's such a huge variety of styles of clothing. They are also so willing to do special orders for sizes that I didn't even have to ask--THEY asked ME if I wanted to!! The dressing rooms doesn't have a lock so you don't feel pressured or like you're bothering anyone when you try things on since it's self-serve--I find this a plus. The prices are pretty average for gothic clothing, sometimes lower on some pieces, sometimes higher, and they have so much stuff that I can understand why they don't have the more basic types of jewellery (besides, doesn't everyone get that stuff on etsy nowadays?). I *was* surprised to find that the necklace I tried on was too small, though, since I have a very small neck and One-size necklaces usually fit with room to spare. The only reason this doesn't have a full five-star rating is bc of the lack of plus-sizes, though as I mentioned they are willing to special order, so that might be a solution. I just think it makes sense to have the plus sizes stocked at this point, especially in a big city and especially in a goth shop. Another big plus is all the steampunk stuff they have mingled in with the goth stuff, and they even have decor and books, as well as shoes and any kind of boned thing you want, from really casual cinchers to really fancy worked leather that is basically armour. Also really quality fascinators, and more than just one brand of shoe (always a plus). In fact, I'd recommend this shop over trash and Vaudeville or Ipso Facto (both of which are places I have been before). True there are some things at those other shops that GR doesn't have (like SFX hair dye and *possibly* tripp pants), but the actual shopping experience is so much more friendly and relaxed at GR, and to me that's really important, because I often spend a lot of time wandering and trying on. If I just wanted to get in and get out I'd order it online. tl;dr GO HERE. It's amazing! The variety is amazing, the staff is friendly, approachable, and very knowledgeable about their product, very willing to let you browse or answer questions if you have any--and they can put together outfits and work through what you're looking for, even if YOU don't quite know. I was never made to feel 'not goth enough' by ANYONE working here, which is a HUGE plus for me. Everyone was so mannerly and seemed to have a good rapport with each other as well. read more

I needed a costume for my show and was just blown away by this store. The merchandise was amazing. The people who work there are super friendly and there passion shows. This store has something for everyone, one of the funnest stores I've been into in NYC. I can't wait to visit them again. A definite must see if your planning a trip to the city. read more

Waste of time. I got dragged in here by a ignorant girl that I was traveling with on Vacation. We walked in and all it was, was a glorified hot topic. They carry brands like Tripp... same as Hot topic but at 4x's the cost. NO JOKE. I said no way am I spending money in here! It was outrageously priced! For a tiny hat (little TINY top hat) they wanted $200!!!! Most of the Jewelry was over $100. It was just rediculas. To top it of not one of the staff said anything to me while I was in there. Not even a Hello. I guess I was not "goth" enough for them as I was in a Suit due to a business meeting in So Ho. Little know to them I am one of the top cyber goth designers in the US. Oh well. I will not be back to this shop ever again. read more

Hot Topic on speed??? Umm no. GR is not the end all or be all on gothic fashion but they are still much more affordable than some places on St Marks or east village. As for tacky gothic apparel as one person said, why don't you try exploring the store a bit more rather than walk 5 feet in then back away. I do agree that it is geared more towards the ladies but hey lets be honest for a second, I really do not see that many guys going all out dressing up,there are not that many to warrrant an entire shop devoted to us gentlemen. read more

Great store. Great people. Especially Julie (so sorry if i got your name wrong) but rad chick, rad store. Stan's the man too. Bought a dope reasonably priced ring there. Definitely not upset with the experience. Quite the opposite in fact. read more

I love this store. They have grown so much over the past few years and I am always pleasantly surprised by their new merchandise. They have gotten rid of some bad apple staff members and everyone who works there now seems nice. It can be really expensive, but its stuff I havent seen anywhere else. You gotta pay to look cool! read more

So today I stopped by Gothic Renaissance for the first time and was so very happy with my purchase and will go back every time this is THE GO TO STORE! You need something they not only have it they know about it, they can tell you how to where it, how to take care of it, which is refreshing that the staff are so knowledgeable about the merchandise and here's the best...I kid you not.... there are price points for EVERYONES BUDGET! I mean you expect to pay top dollar when you shop in specialty boutiques but not here you get that personal shoppers experience but not at the cost of leaving you wondering how you're going to pay your rent. Both Alexandra and Michelle were only too kind to understand that I had to keep to a budget and they came back with options for me that kept my spending on track!!! There was another woman there her name escapes me but she brought me every hat they had in the store...to try on. I will definitely be going back .....for my CORSET!!!! See you ladies soon Thanks again Debbie from the west village ;) read more

I have to begin here by highlighting the horrible reviews that have preceded my own review: 1. People like or tend to compare... and in many cases due to the closings of most stores in NYC's village Gothic Renaissance is compared to Trash and Vaudeville. This is unfair to both stores. Each store has their own theme, their own team who market and sell the products. These stores are personalized staples of what is left of the NYC village and the rocker / punk / goth alternative culture. The mindset of comparing them is one step closer to killing the culture off further. Too many shops, ideas, and too much art has already disappeared from what used to be an amazing alternative neighborhood. 2. Judging a book by its cover. The regular employees of Gothic Renaissance have always been kind, helpful, and beyond friendly. "The customer is always right" is a terrible cop out and arrogant. You can not walk into a store and expect the people inside to *know* you're on top of the world. I am in this store very regularly and every time the door opens and a customer or group of customers walk in I always see and hear the store employees greeting them in a friendly manner. Most of the time the employees don't even receive a response. So go figure. These disgruntled angry people are the ones with the attitudes, and lack of manners they attribute to the employees. I have always been treated great by the staff new, old, seasoned, or untrained. They have even gone as far as to direct me to finding what I wanted or needed whether it could be produced by the store / business or if I had to take my business elsewhere. This is not characteristic of ignorant, impolite, or arrogant people. Especially when employees have been willing to assist even when they were off the clock so to speak. Does that sound like mean or angry people who put themselves on a pedestal and ignore their clientele? I think not. 3. "The store is overpriced." That is because much of their merchandise comes not only from out of state but from overseas. The average customer is ignorant to the fact that there are not only shipping charges, but currency conversion as well as the fact that many designers in the goth / metal / punk / alternative etc. scenes are not in high demand and must charge more for their products to makes ends meet. Materials can rack costs up, as well as labor, and any idiot knows time is precious. I feel that I have made plenty of points to prove that the negative comments about this establishment have only been isolated incidents of bitter and disgruntled people who have nothing better to do than to try and further the ruining of people's lives after they have already walked all over them during their already stressful work days. I am willing to bet that most of the negativity comes from people who have never worked retail in their lives. I can agree that this culture... this choice of expression and lifestyle can be expensive. I began buying into it when I was broke without a job. Now that I work myself to the bone... I not only have $50 T-shirts and jackets that cost me well over 4 figures, but I APPRECIATE my pieces and the people who helped bring them to me from the idea to the institution. I hope that the negative reviews here do little to tarnish what is left of alternative culture. The feeling of wearing some "overpriced" clothing that wonderful people helped me in finding as well as getting the right fit is much better than some Levi's or Abercrombie cookie cutter clone look. In the end there is one simple point. Before you go trashing someone's lifestyle. GET EDUCATED. Learn what you are denouncing. Otherwise you are just a one star hypocrite projecting your own self loathing and jealousy onto hard working people who do their best to help keep an alternative lifestyle thriving. It is a wonderful feeling when amazing people like the staff of both Gothic Renaissance and Trash give their all to help you fit into and feel great in some wonderful pieces that you worked hard to afford. Maybe when these negative people achieve such a moment in their own lives they will take back their sad reviews of something that should never be unappreciated and dismissed. I for one hope these stores live on for a very long and prosperous time. read more

I didn't buy anything so I can't say much but I had fun exploring around this store's products. This store had gas masks, corsets, and costumes that reminded me of the Akihabara fashion in Japan. The workers didn't really interact with the costumers, but I guess it's because a lot of people just walk in and leave without buying anything. read more

All I heard about this place was that it was tacky and the staff was unfriendly, but I didn't expect much from a place called "GOTHIC". When I walked in I felt some unfriendly vibes and the place looked a little like a Super-Hot-Topic. I wanted to be fitted for a corset and had to get some garments taken down from the wall. The staff was a little flighty and I found myself waiting for a few minutes to be assisted, but they were happy to help once they realized I was serious about buying some thing. The prices were a little high and the selection wasn't the best, but I was fitted into a few things and the staff seemed very helpful once I got thier attention. I don't know whether the staff just liked me or I caught them on a good day, but I will most likely go back at some point. Not too bad. read more

I was in New York city, visiting from Oregon, and I really wanted to find some cute gothic style clothing to take home with me. After searching online, I found Gothic Rennaisance. Let's just say, it was horribly underwhelming. The store was dusty, disorganized and the staff....sigh. There was nobody else in the store but me and my two friends. We were not greeted by anyone or asked if we needed help. The employees carried on their own private conversation, blocked us from seeing merchandise, and then proceeded to follow us around and glare menacingly, basicallyr as if we were trying to steal some of their overpriced crap. ((They had T-shirts you can find at Hot Topic for $29.99 that were $79.99 here)) I'm a grown woman, was dressed nicely and caused no trouble. I would highly suggest skipping this place. read more

Absolutely beautiful store, awesome and knowledgeable staff, and great selection of gothic and leather items. I only gave them four stars because they are seriously over priced. But then again, you are getting quality goods. read more

My husband I were in the store the other day and walked out having had the best experience. All the sales help were extremely helpful and friendly. Our sales people, Raine and Amoura were outstanding, to say the least. They were so creative and patient! They helped us put together the most amazing costumes we will probably ever wear! I can't wait for the upcoming Halloween party! I definitely recommend everyone go there!! read more

I loved this place ever since it first opened. It was very tiny and not many clothing but the few items they had superb (I miss the skirt they hanged from the ceiling I really wanted to buy it). As the years passed my prom quickly approaching I had to start figuring what to wear (especially the fact I gained 40 lbs extra and was a size 14 instead of 7) . I spent a pretty penny on all the clothes I've bought but in the end it all it was the prom I dreamed of. Stich the owner of the store helped me greatly. Advising their Layaway plan, even personally ordering my coat from a partner of their's from Europe. In less than a month I had all my attire ready and perfectly fitted to me. And ever since I've always gone shopping for my most "extravagant" events. After all these years of constant abuse by me, my clothes are still wearable and I've never had an issue with their products. After 7 years my bare bone corset has yet to fail me. $80 wasn't bad what I paid for then compare to $130 is now but if I needed to replace it I would do it in a heartbeat. All and all I've never had a problem with the employees. But that's because I go when it's down time to really get the one on one time experience, advice and tips from them. October is crunch time so if your expecting a heavenly experience forget it...it will be packed with people. I suggest go during midday. :) read more

Great store. Service was very helpful. The one lady who was the corset buyer for the store was very helpful, nice, and extremely knowledgable in the corsets which by the way are amazing. Great selection of corsets!!! read more

I went here to get it cloak from the store back in February of this year it was a special order that came within four days The service was pretty good in the people are pretty nice and are open-minded I would say no the price tag on the store is really high other than that anything you buy here is pretty much a one of a kind thing that you really won't get anywhere else Love coming to the store anytime I can always find amazing new little things read more

although they have a pretty good selection, including some hard-to-find lines like Eternal NYC and a few relics from the old Funhouse store on 8th Street, the prices are a bit much. but once in awhile, you'll find something on sale. the staff are pretty friendly and helpful, and the decor is cool to look at. however, if you want to find Goth clothing that is less expensive a better bet might be the sale rack at Trash & Vaudeville, or even Buffalo Exchange as people tend to sell their used Goth clothes there occasionally (found a pair of Demonia platform boots in great condition there for $20...you can't find a deal like that anywhere). if you are from out of town, GR is fun to check out. read more

i wen there to buy 10 outfits and the manager was really rude and argumentive and then tried to have me thrown out of the store but didn't happen ..the clothes are nice but service sucks..and the worst part about this is it was the manager blonde dreads.. read more