Among the many retail stores overcrowded with New Yorker’s preparing for Hurricane Irene was Bed, Bath and Beyond on Broadway between 64th and 65th st in my five blocks. It’s easy to walk by this store and mistake it for an apartment building due to the entrance “lobby” with doormen, and since the actual store is located on two massive levels underground.

Doorman John at Bed, Bath and Beyond

I pass this Bed, Bath and Beyond almost every day. And even when I’m not shopping there, I’m greeted with a smile and hello from doorman John. He is probably one of the friendliest doormen in all of Manhattan welcoming shoppers as he holds the door open, helping with bags and wishing passers-by a good day. He could put a smile on anyone’s face, even the most stressed New Yorker on the way home from a long day.

During the hurricane preparations, he maintained his positive attitude with a smile as big as ever. A real New York City community story!

Check out Bed, Bath and Beyond for the shopping too. This store sells everything you can think of (and more) for your home and houses a Harmon drug store with great selection and prices. And, it stays open until 10pm.