Rainbow is a great place to peruse; they sell a little bit of everything, from protein bars to doorbells. The prices for certain items are more expensive than you'd find elsewhere, so I wouldn't make this my go-to for things like cookware or home furnishings, but it's a great place to come to when your ceiling light zaps out on a Sunday night like mine did. Plus, as I've come to experience, their customer service is outstanding! I came here in search of a weird halogen bulb, which Rainbow had a small selection of. The staff here are pretty knowledgeable; one of them explained to me the difference between the bulbs, what might work given my needs, etc. They were all pretty expensive at $10+ for one bulb, but the prices at the hardware store across the street were about the same, if not slightly more expensive. After bringing the bulb home and installing it, I found it was wayyyyyyyyyy too dim. I brought the bulb back to Rainbow, and they allowed me to exchange it, no questions asked!! In fact, when I couldn't decide on the right bulb the second time around, the cashier told me that if the new one is still too dim or too bright, I could bring it back again and exchange it! I was so impressed! Sure enough, my second bulb was still too dim. Three trips to Rainbow later, I have light! Thank you, Rainbow! read more

I recommend this store! They have everything from dishes, cups, frames, incense, toilet paper, rugs, some furniture, paint, you name it! They even have vitamins, shampoo, etc. read more

The customer service this store is HORRIBLE. Noone seems to be interested in helping you and the whole experience here is aggravating. When I did finally find someone to help he spoke to me with an attitude and even had the nerve to be rude to my dogs as he felt they were in his way. Poor customer service is why small businesses like Rainbow Ace will no longer be here in 5-10 years . The whole retail industry is being disrupted and with the way this business is currently operating it will only be a matter of time before this store closes it's doors. Stores like this is why I choose to shop online and give my business to Amazon. Won't shop here again. read more

Great alternative to Bed Bath and Beyond and a Home Depot. I found nearly everything on my doing list from an over the door shoe holder to watering bulb. Decent prices and friendly staff. This will be my go to in NYC. read more

This place is one stop shopping. They have paint supplies, school supplies and toys for the little kids. Pots and pans and baby supplies. The person who helped me was polite and friendly read more

Wonderful selection but terrible customer service policies and practices. I bought a toaster oven last week and forgot to show them the 25% discount coupon at the point of purchase that I had received in the mail. I returned two days later to show them the certificate and ask for the discount but was told that I had to show it at the time of the purchase. If I wanted the discount I would have to return the item physically and then repurchase it. I tried to explain how inconvenient that would be but was basically told by the manager "tough luck that's the policy and there's nothing I can do about it". I can definitely do something about it. I will never shop there again read more

This is a well stocked store with much to offer beyond hardware art supplies, home and houseware, so it pays to browse around, which I did a few times to select things I needed and then I noticed that a staff member would pop up in my aisle and pretend to straighten the shelves. It's kind of creepy this barely concealed anti theft vigilance and takes the joy of discovery out of shopping there. read more

Ugh...I saw a review for this and almost thew up. I have a rainbow 2 blocks from me on the UES and while they do have nearly everything from Christmas lights to 2000 flushes - whats the point? Maybe it's just me... but the place sucks! It is always hot, customer service is unheard of, the merchandise looks like it came form a yard sale and the toilet paper has an expiration date. The isles are way to small, the people shopping are way to big and everyone looks like they are stoned. There is just too much crap in no particular order. Id rather wipe my ass with a Brillo pad. read more

Squeezing through the isles , hoping not to knock a bowl or a frame off the shelf, playing mental pac man with other customers and staff, craning your neck up high as to not miss some treasures ... well usually this is the stuff of nightmares, but at Rainbow it's somewhat exhilarating because you know what you came for is just around the corner as well as some stuff you didn't know you needed. I love Rainbow (and it's sister store on 2nd near 93rd) because I miss stores like woolworths and caldores, and I'm not near any stores like target (which I know is evil, but sometimes a girl really needs some hangers). Anyway, like the other reviewers said, it's not the cheapest place, but we are in UES, and it's really quite good comparatively, and convenience is worth a lot these days. read more

What happened to customer service people??? What is with all the attitude?? I'm serious. I've been living in UE Manhattan for about a month now, and it just seems like every time I go out to do errands, or pick up groceries, I come back in a bad mood. Is there one friendly cashier around here? Rainbow is no exception. True- they have just about everything you need. Yes, I can get over the fact that it's all crammed into tiny, messy aisles and that the place always seems to be super warm. What I cannot accept is how rude the cashiers are every time I've shopped here. Today the girl rejected a coupon before I even gave it to her. I guess a $5 off a $20 purchase does not qualify if your purchase includes paper products. Go figure. Without a hint of friendliness or a smile throughout the transaction, she silently hands me the receipt, apparently waiting for a "Thank you" from me. I thanked her, because I can't be that rude, and she replied "You're welcome." Funny, in my past 10 years of providing customer service, I thought it was supposed to be the other way around. Without customers, you have no business. I won't be back there. read more

"Wow. This place looks ghetto." Don't let the exterior frighten you! There's goodies for days in this store... everything from painter's overalls, floor lamps, deodorant, jewelry boxes, rugs, candy, and oven mitts. I went to Rainbow Ace to buy paint. The resident paint guy was super helpful in telling painting-dummy how much to buy, what types of paint to purchase, and the necessary accessories to get the job done. Appropriately priced for sure. Splitting the cost with my roommate, they even let us split the credit card charge in two. Post-paint purchase, went for an exploration around the store. Reminds me of an unorganized, overstuffed Bed, Bath, and Beyond but with a lot more treasures to be had for cheaper. read more

I do kinda agree with Teddy N. that this place sucks - but if your are a die-hard Manhattanite - what'ya gonna do? If you gotta get lightbulbs & paper goods & prescriptions & batteries & smokes & a cheap throw pillw & everything all JAMMED together in the skinny little ailse of a croded stoer? It's rainbow. I was thankful it was nearby and spent way, way too many over-inflated dollars here. I even wound up buying a vacuum cleaner here out of sheer desparation. I mean it was 1 block away from my 3rd floor walk up apartment. I needed Rainbow - kinda like I needed crystal meth. Oh wait. I never needed crystal meth. Nevermind. 2 stars is generous. A neccessary evil in Manhattan. And they sold SMOKES & BATTERIES. read more

I've been in the neighborhood for 17 years and Rainbow is my go-to for just about everything. It's hard to believe that they ALWAYS have everything I need. The only reason I gave them only 4 stars is because their staff isn't too friendly. read more

I first came here one evening because I thought it was an arts and crafts store. I found a nice selection of acrylic and oil paints for my painting hobby. The next time I returned during the day, I noticed the other entrance...and I noticed another world!! They have a huge selection of household products. Every kind of dish and glassware imaginable. That afternoon they had a sale of glass vases and jars and a whole set up of picnic/BBQ items. If you are in need of any toiletry and medicine they have a full fledged pharmacy and vitamin isle. Be sure to stop outside and check their discounted items....table mats, towels, etc...sometimes you can buy 3-5 items for five bucks or so. The closests thing to a 99 cents store in the area that I can think of. According to the logo, it looks like they are affiliated with ACE hardware, which I am familiar with in Daleville, PA. www.acehardware.com They dont carry all the same supplies (guess you wouldnt need a lawn mower in manhattan, or a deer feeder...). Nevertheless, I did see an extensive tool and household-fix-it items which seemed cheaper than Gracious Home. read more

Having grown accustomed to tiny Manhattan stores, the sheer breadth of this place and its stock can make you feel like you're looking at Mt. Everest. Sometimes that's intimidating, but it also means they probably have that random thing you're looking for. I walked past aisles of picture frames (small and poster-sized), stuffed animals, paint, housewares, and probably the Ark of the Covenant to finally reach the aisle I needed, containing lots of canning supplies. Canning jars, lids, etc can be relatively hard to find here in the city, especially at a reasonable price, so I was very pleased with Rainbow's inventory. They had supplies, jars of all sizes, pectin, and a few books on the subject, so I'll definitely be back for more--I just wish they were close to the subway! To be sure, this is not a discount store, as I'd describe all the things I looked at as either 'reasonably priced' or 'kinda expensive,' so it's not like you can spend $50 and walk away with 207 items. You certainly can shop there without feeling gouged though, and probably find everything you need. Just as my arms were getting full and I was thinking it was time to put a stop to the shopping, I saw they have an entire downstairs section as well. Before my wallet started to cry I decided to save that for another day--who knows what else they have down there. read more

I visited the shop on Sunday and found that I had to ask 4 people where an item was stored. It seems like a good number of staff does not speak understandable english. And there was not a designated supervisor to request simple information. I do appreciate the range of merchandise. read more

A throwback to the hardware stores pre Home Depot. Old school. Found everything I needed and lots of stuff I didn't but bought anyway. Looking for mouse trap and found a shelf full. Great store. read more

A little bit of everything, packed from floor to ceiling as any Manhattan store *should* be (they definitely know how to maximize that rent.. ). We've purchased random items such as: Sodastream CO2 refills Desk lamp Wood lathe 4B drawing pencil Bamboo salad tongs And marveled at their "WTF is this doing here?!" items like Women's underwear, a surprisingly ample toy section, .. well honestly I guess it's really just the underwear that makes me laugh. Prepare to ask for help if you need to find something specific, as the place is vast and things are all over. You'll probably need to traverse back and forth a few times if you have a list of items. read more

Quite a lot to look at in this place. The space is vast and confusing, but fun if you have the time. Not too many staff members, but helpful when you need them. Came across Dr. Teals eucalyptus and spearmint body lotion--to die for. Amazing smell and so soothing. Was not expecting to walk away with this item. There are a lot of random things, however if you're looking for some in particular ask first before you get lost. read more

WOW. I was completely blown away with this place. I happened to be wandering around the area looking to get an extra key made, and stumbled upon this jackpot of a place. You can literally buy anything you need in this store. I kept turning corners expecting to hit a dead end, and I'd find an entirely different department of stuff. It's like having a Target in the main manhattan area. I'd love if someone knew of something similar closer to where I live in East Village, but this place is the Bees Knees. I found it to be SO much better quality and selection than Basics Plus and the prices very reasonable. Bedroom, Bathroom, Kitchen, Art supply, cards, pharmacy, snacks, hardware, plumbing, paint, you name it I promise they probably have it and then some. Some of my favorite "discoveries" were a huge selection fo bedding/pillows/lamps/shades, rugs, etc., Cake decorating materials including gel coloring (which you can usually only find at specialty places like Sur La Table), some pretty decent art materials (including my favorite drawing pads, Rhodias), every "as seen on TV" thing you could ever need, glowing menorahs, and kitchen gadgets I didn't even know I needed (like about 5 different types of lemon juicers). I take class a few blocks away every week, and I can guarantee you I'll be killing any extra time before wandering around this place, buying both the million things I need, and the billion things I don't. read more

The location of the Rainbow store on 1st Ave is convenient, so I have been doing quite a bit of shopping there to fix up my apartment. In this process, I've easily spent more than $1,000 there in the past month. When I decided to do a quick and economical paint job, I chose Rainbow based primarily on location (thinking of walking with gallons of paint). A second consideration was price because I'm renting in NY. Note that I am the owner of a rental property in SC and for that property, I chose Sherwin Williams for their customer service and knowledge. The first thing I noticed at Rainbow is that there is no significant difference in pricing. The main line Benjamin Moore option is within $5 or so of Sherwin Williams top line. Additionally, it turns out that Sherwin Williams almost continuously offers coupons on their paints of about 30%, making their top line product just a bit more than the economy line at Rainbow. And SW also has an economy line. You just need to go on line to SW for the coupon or the employees will tell you. Still, keeping in mind the location, I moved ahead w/ Rainbow and selected a color. After a few minutes, an employee helped me. Note that many of the employees at Rainbow wear headphones while working and seem very distracted from their jobs. This ordinarily wouldn't be a big deal. But when they're mixing paint for you, you're expecting the staff to pay attention and focus on the job. Still, the experience ended up okay and my total spend with supplies was another $200. Fine. After a few days, I returned for more supplies and another gallon of paint. Unlike Sherwin Williams, Rainbow does not keep track of your paint or supply purchases. So you are entirely responsible for making sure the paint formula and name are exactly the same (heaven forbid the product line and names change). And because the employees are distracted, wearing headphones, moping around with chips on their shoulders and non responsive, it's difficult to rely on them for any guidance at all. Bottom line, I took a photo of the formula and what I thought was the paint card back to the store. The first employee who helped me was so mopey and non responsive, I thought he might not know what he's doing (that he might not generally work in the paint department). A fair question. So I asked him if he was familiar with mixing paint. He immediately became angry, seemed to imply that I was racist (which hurt me deeply) and found another person to help me. I again showed the 2nd employee the photo and the chip. The second employee, equally mopey w/ headphones in his ears, set up the mixer. I told him I was going to hop over to the hardware section and be right back. He scowled at me and said he was doing the mixing right now and I should stand there. I thought this was obnoxious and I went and grabbed the other items anyway. When I returned I saw that the paint formula on this new gallon was different than the previous one I purchased. The department was empty again, so I waited for yet a third employee who seemed nicer but was still mopey with headphones. I told him that I really didn't know what happened or who's fault it was but that I needed another gallon of the correct paint. He set the wrong paint aside and mixed another gallon. I was not opposed to paying for the other gallon and mentioned this, but he nicely said that it was fine. Very good at this point. But, as I was checking out, (another $100), the first employee came back and began yelling at me and the third employee about this being my fault and that I should be forced to buy both paints! He would not give in or listen and stood there yelling at us. He treated me like I was a ditzy, racist, crazy old idiot who should be forced to spend the $30 or whatever it was on the cheap gallon of paint. Although I had previously not been opposed to buying both, his horrific behavior over a $30 or so item, in light of all the shopping I had done there, made me decide that there was just no way I was going to pay for that gallon of paint (or ever go there for paint again). He eventually walked away, so I quickly gathered the items I had paid for and left, never to return. As a final note from a person who's now done enough painting to have a job as a painter, Sherwin Williams is amazing. At least in SC, the stores are staffed with literal experts. To the point that I one time was able to create a matching paint without even having a sample. They have a computer system which maintains your paint selections into perpetuity which they can access nationwide. I could have literally called Sherwin Williams here, had them bring up my account from SC, and deliver the paint to me. Whatever small dollar amount I saved (if at all) by using Glidden, there is no way it was worth it! So a mistake I will never repeat! read more

I love this store. Their prices are good and they have pretty much everything. From paint, to hardware, to as seen on TV products. The customer service isn't fantastic, which is why I don't give it 5 stars. read more

a neighborhood gem. prices may be slightly higher but that is to be expected considering the zip code they operate in. Perfect place to find that tool or utensil you suddenly remembered you needed stat. read more

What is the #1 thing that teachers need in their classroom? Organization! And how do you achieve that? BASKETS! This is teacher heaven, baskets and baskets galore (back of register) and all sorts of organizational things. Also, plenty of school supplies. I will also go here for all my bed bath and beyond type of needs as well as random knick knacks. It's really kind of like a 99 cent store except not as cheap. read more

Thank you baby Jesus for having Rainbow in my neighborhood. I can't think of anything you can't find here. This place is like the neighborhood Target/Bed bath and beyond/Duane Reade/Hardware store all in one. You can even get keys made here! I also enjoy shopping here because they occasionally mail coupons ($5 off $25 and such) and I like to support "small businesses" when possible. read more

If you love crowded stores that sell practically everything you need (ok minus clothing and food), then this is the store for you. From hardware, to dishes, to a desk, to toiletries, they have a huge variety. Although not cheap, the prices are moderate and affordable. I mean, I did get a plunger there for $4 and my keys cut for around $1.50 each... how much better does it get? You have stationary, hardware, pharmacy/drug store, basement is household items (furniture, cleaning, bathroom, kitchen, etc items). Just look around and you'll probably find some treasure you've been searching for :) The one thing I wish they had was better service. Although they are nice, the store clerks seem disorganized and uncertain of their own store... read more

I love this place- they have everything you need - for any room - for a reasonable price! You can easily get lost in here just trying to get from storage to hardware, and you'll be able to find anything under the sun for your kitchen, bathroom, or roof deck on the way. FYI- downstairs they have cleaning supplies/towels/plastic cutlery for much cheaper than you'd find at rip-off Duane Reade. Actually, upstairs they have shampoo and beauty supplies for cheaper too. It's like the mini-urban-WalMart of the UES read more

I once did a price comparison (because I'm cool like that) on various drugstore items, and it consistently went like this - most to least expensive: 1) Duane Reade 2) Rainbow Ace 3) CVS Unfortunately I'm lazy and CVS is not as close to my apartment, so I usually end up coming here. But that's ok because, like Bed Bath & Beyond, you can find virtually anything here and never pay full price, with its regular coupons-by-mail - $5, $10, $20 off, and occasionally 50% off customer appreciation days. The staff is very helpful (though some of the cashiers are not that friendly), sticking around until they're sure I've found what I needed or told them I'm ok. I've found here anything from hammers, Gorilla Glue, toilet flappers, and WD-40 to teapots, bedsets, and tampons. And it's all a minute's walk from my place. How convenient! read more

Pleasantly surprised with how amazing Rainbow is. It's like having a /Bed Bath and Beyond/Target/Walmart superstore in the middle of the UES with a friendly staff and just about everything you need for your apartment. Rainbow has everything from shower curtains, cleaning supplies, candles, Sodastream, bedding, pots and pans, toiletries, furniture, home decor, etc. They also send out great coupons in the mail! This is my one stop shop for just about everything and anything I have ever needed for my apartment! read more

I went here for a piece to replace a closet bracket, as it was he closes "hardware" store. I use the term "hardware" loosely, because there supply are quite limited. I asked for help from 3 different sales representative and the answer I always got was, "it's over there." By luck I was finally able to find what I was looking for. When I was wrapping up my visit, I had a forth associate asked if they could help me. That saved this review from being a one star. If Home Depot wasn't further away, I would have went there, as the service is always good. read more

Came here for the first time, I had to find a particular mop replacement and this place had the last three! I looked in other hardware stores, online etc. nobody had it. But this store seems to have everything from ceiling to floor it is packed with everything you need for the household. Staff was friendly and helpful too. Place is huge, for Manhattan standard! It is a Mini Home Depot with a friendly neighborhood flair. read more

This place is fantastic because I walked in expecting a hardware store.. and they are SO much more!!! It's one of those random NYC spots that really has EVERYTHING... in a good way and not in a cheap dollar store way. Prices are decent, but not cheap. But you can find ANYTHING you need for your home, even some groceries and the famous "As seen on TV" shelf. It's huge, slightly tough to navigate... only reason for no 5 stars... but what smart store within NYC isn't if they can squeeze more stuff and aisles into their space for less. Really an addicting store, I will say that much!!!!! read more

This Ace Hardware is fantastic because I walked in expecting a hardware store.. and they are SO much more!!!It's one of those random NYC spots that really has EVERYTHING... in a good way and not in a cheap dollar store way. Prices are decent, but not cheap. But you can find ANYTHING you need for your home, even some groceries and the famous "As seen on TV" shelf. It's huge, slightly tough to navigate... only reason for no 5 stars... but what smart store within NYC isn't if they can squeeze more stuff and aisles into their space for less. Really an addicting store, I will say that much!!!!! Love this place. since 1995, they expanded from the main original store, left to Starbucks and right to the other corner. if only there was a way they could expand and move into the Duane Reade, just 2 1/2 blocks away from another one. They have just about anything you could want. lots of housewares, cool dishes and glassware, cleaning stuff, hardware, stationery, cards, etc. Good place for a quick party gift too. Lots of fun stuff up at the counter area too. The stuff isn't junk either, like a dollar shop. It's well selected and generally good quality. If you're an impulse buyer, put on your blinders.Definitely a neighborhood staple. read more

This store has just about everything you could need for your home - very impressed with the selection. On multiple occasions, though, I've had unpleasant experiences with the staff. Most recently, I was checking out about 20 minutes before closing, and I was scolded by the cashier for not coming to shop earlier in the day because they were in the middle of closing. FYI, they're not afraid to shut the door in your face 15 minutes before the posted closing time! All in all, though, it's a solid store with a great selection of products. read more

The general store manager Vicky is very rude and combative. After talking to her for just 2 minutes, she told me to hurry up because she had other things to do. I was charged incorrectly and was told i could come in to have it adjusted and she did not want to discuss anything. She then tells me she has already wasted 10 mintues and to hurry up. I wasn't even there longer than 5 mintues. I could not believe she was talking to me like that. I am a customer and it is her job to fix any problems. Prices are also marked up considerably. They were selling window stickers for 4.99 which covered up the manufacturer price of .99 cents. Avoid this store. read more

Thank you very much to everyone at Rainbow who helped me to lend a long-distance hand to a friend on the UES who had just suffered an apartment flood! I called from Washington DC to order a dehumidifier to be delivered to her. They do evening deliveries and were able to get it to her within 2 hours of the order. Also, because I was in Washington DC, the order was quite unusual for them and it was a pain for them to process my credit card since they'd never get to see it in person. It took a few phone calls and faxes on my part to work that out, but they stuck with me, and were able to take care of my very special order. Now my friend's clothes and shoes are drying out more quickly thanks to the great people at Rainbow. Thanks again! read more

This store has EVERYthing. Kind of like a neighborhood Target. And the employees are always friendly and knowledgable about their products and where to find them in their 2 level store. When I first moved here I bought so many household and storage supplies, and when I've had parties or gatherings especially for kids this is the store. Just some of the top of mind times: - seasonal decorations for halloween, Christmas, hannekuh- lights, bulbs, bags, wrapping paper - storage supplies for apartment - candles - cosmetics and beauty supplies - office and school supplies - dishes, kitchen supplies - cake and candy making chocolates and supplies - cleaning supplies - paint, key making, hardware store supplies - vacuums, small appliances - pet supplies - gift wrapping and party supplies - balloons! The only place I know in this area that has balloons they inflate for you. Amazing everything store on the upper east! read more

Great little find! I was walking in the area and tripped across this place. I needed some bathroom stuff and thought, "What the heck?! Let's see what they have." And I walked out with two big bags of stuff I needed...and other things I could've done without! It can be a little tricky finding things. But their staff are very good about directing those with very lost looks on their faces. The prices aren't bad, especially considering the area. And the selections/variations are quite impressive. read more

Nothing like it. I'd move in here if I could. I just moved from the UES, and this is one the places I'll really miss. I used to go there for everything: paint, dishes, candles, clothes hangers, storage, furniture, XMas decorations, cards, hampers, lamps...you name it. The place is cramped, not because it's small, but because they have so much. I'm lost without Rainbow. read more

I stop in often and by doing so now get the service needed when searching. There are seemingly store clerks throughout; some want to stay faceless, some seem to recognize me and smile... and talk! As for the store itself, it is addicting. The true test today will be if they are willing to take back a gallon of mixed BM paint; regardless, they do seem to have almost everything you could possible need. One hilarious occurrence was once I was looking for 100 manila folders. I brought a box on 100 to the front and when rung up it priced out at $37.00 plus tax! I asked them to check... offering "that must be a mistake. It's like 8 dollars for a box." They said "no, it's .37 cents each." I said, yes" for 1, but when you get a box they are like 8 cents." People on line were amused, yet the cashiers would have none of it; $37.00 was the price. Of course I went to staples instead and got the box for $8.00. But honestly, this store is a gem and definitely a less expensive option over any other. read more