ZITOMER

The New York City Kids Guide

"This mega-pharmacy is so large (15,000 square feet, spread across three floors), it’s actually deemed a department store: Sure, you can drop off a prescription, but most people come here to pick up anything from old-fashioned throat lozenges to Mason Pearson hairbrushes to fancy shampoo and lipstick. The prices fit the setting (it’s just a stone’s throw from The Carlyle), but they have the services to match, from quick delivery, to house accounts, to shipping prescriptions to you anywhere in the world. They also have an excellent toy store named Zittles which consumes the entire third floor, carrying old-fashioned favorites like Barbie, Madame Alexander dolls, and a solid selection of dress up clothes."

The Uptown Manhattan Guide

Where to Go Shopping in NYC | Condé Nast Traveler

@cntraveler

"Zitomer is the ultimate version of a uniquely Manhattan phenomenon: The fancy, retro pharmacy where you can get your prescriptions filled but also easily drop $600 on velvet headbands. This wacky three-story storefront on Madison Avenue is a microcosm of everything that's simultaneously appealing and vexatious about the Upper East Side. You'll find lots of old-school hair accessories, fancy European toothpaste, an extensive lineup of bath and body products from Molton Brown and Kiehl's, decorative compact mirrors, and zip pouches that say things like "But First, Xanax." - Andrea Whittle

@janiekorn

Nyc❤️

@susanalexandra.com

BEST NYC

Kim Smith

Google

I was sent a prescription via delivery and charged without my authorization while I was traveling for a family funeral. When I returned to nyc and explained to Amber the female pharmacist at Zitomers that my doorman had accepted the package but I did not authorize this over priced prescription ( 8 estrogen pages for nearly 150$$) her only response was “that’s your problem”. She showed no empathy, offered no solution and was arrogant and rude and stormed off before our conversation was over saying that this is “Zitomer’s policy”. I brought the prescription back and asked her to simply credit my credit card and she also said no to that. She offered no solution and seemed inconvenienced by my issue. I am new to the neighborhood and have never had a pharmacy that would allow this practice in the past, in fact it is illegal. There are very strict laws in place in NY State about delivering prescriptions and charging patients without their permission at every large chain pharmacy. I am shocked by Amber’s ignorance and lack of compassion and will never shop or support Zitomers again. Be forewarned of Zitomers and Amber’s illegal practices.

Julia D

Google

I come here regularly and absolutely love the store, but honestly, (some) of the women who work on the second floor make it hard to keep coming back. There is one employee in particular who once made a disgusted face at me when I was checking out (don't know what that's about). I've had several interactions with her and overall she is not nice. I've seen her greet other customers when they come up the stairs but when I come up and say hello first she gives me a nasty look. It's a bummer that some of the employees on the second floor are so rude because I love the rest of the employees and the store overall.

Connie Kwok

Google

This is a local gem of a lovely store has everything! It is not just for typical Pharmacy needs with snacks, but the multi level store offers kids stuff, women's clothing, lingerie, accessories and hosiery, and a very impressive selection of well curated beauty/makeup and wide range of high end gifts including fragrance, candles, soaps, etc. Plus they gift wrap. Sally was very welcoming and friendly, I'm marking this as a local favorite for gifts!

Lindsey New

Google

I purchased a birthday card and small gift on Monday. I had great customer service from the lovely ladies on the 2nd floor. I accidentally pressed the basement button and road all the way down in the elevator because I was distracted in my thoughts of some personal problems. I was sarcastically greeted by a man who took an accusatory tone with me even though I was holding a bag with my purchase. My suggestion: assume best intentions of customers and don't talk down to them. I wasn't trying to break into the stock room or whatever assumption you made, sir. Your tone made me feel small and as if I had done something wrong. My mother was a small business owner for 20 years, so I try to frequent other independent businesses as opposed to big box stores.

Leila Miranda

Google

Beautiful pharmacy, but terrible service. I was inquiring about certain makeup products and needed help but the employee did not spend the time to assist me. Instead she helped someone else.

John Sherman

Google

Speaking as a doctor, this is the last of the great pharmacies. They answer the phone promptly help with medications, and are great with my patients. Speaking as a patient and consumer they are so easy to work with, still make deliveries, and stand by their service and product. Wish there were more

Rebeca S

Google

If you’re not a local here don’t bother coming. I had a woman take two people in front of me because they were locals even though I had been waiting there for longer.

Samia

Google

This store is amazing and have all products. The same price as Sephora ,maycs …etc

Melissa G.

Yelp

Do you need European toothpaste? A great gift for a baby? Something nice to bring home for yourself? Zitomer is the epitome of a Madison Avenue drugstore. A fun place to explore! There are 3 floors, make sure you check each one out.

Nicki G.

Yelp

This is one of my favorite stores in NYC because it's so unique and has the perfect gift for everyone from baby to your teacher. Pricey yes but memorable and fun gifts that you won't just find from a mass retailer !

Andrea M.

Yelp

Ordered a France Luxe headband and they sent me the wrong one. This was not the one I ordered from them. They said, "That's what happens when you place an order. I cannot help you." Had I known they would charge $20 in shipping for a headband I never would have ordered from them.

Gaby9160791607 M.

Yelp

Fantastic shop with an assortment of unique items. They have fine items from all over the world . I would frequent this establishment in the 90's love to see that they are still here and have a lovely long term staff. I had the delight to be helped by Elaine who was well versed in all the products and proceeded to help me gift wrap a present. Absolutely delightful and will surely return to Elaine when I need other gifts. Elaine is the best!! Every shop should have such a gifted sales professional. Thank you, Elaine and Zitomer. See you soon

Todd F.

Yelp

There is only one Zitomer. A pharmacy extraordinaire. A family-run business that you can trust to look after all your bodily needs.

James C.

Yelp

I live mostly in Los Angeles, and often frequent Zitomers during my visits to my place on the Upper East Side in NYC. However, my recent experience tonight at the store was very disconcerting. Upon entering the shop at approximately 10 minutes to 6pm, I sought assistance with selecting some bath products. The salesperson who approached me appeared disinterested and attempted to push the first product she presented. Upon requesting to view alternative options, she escorted me to the aisle and subsequently vanished. I was unaware the store closed at 6 o'clock, and at 4 minutes before 6, the staff abruptly announced the store was CLOSED, and escorted me out, after my inquiry about their closing time and my intention to make a purchase. The were rude and disrespectful and started turning off the lights and the closing the cash registers. Regrettably, this encounter has led me to the decision of never shopping again at this establishment, and I am compelled to share my experience with others.

Susan S.

Yelp

never have drugs prescribed and dont have the professional courtesy to let dr or patient know! dont go!!!

L B.

Yelp

My new favorite store. I could spend hours here. They had just the items I needed...high quality hair claws and a beautiful selection of lingerie. My friends loved it, too. The only thing we didn't like was that it took us this long to discover this gem!

Dorothy P.

Yelp

shop online. Don't waste your time or money . They are barely doing business now and the products are sitting on the shelf for long periods of time. they sold me one product that had soured it was sitting on the shelf for so long and another that had defective packaging.

julie j.

Yelp

Unfortunately pre Covid I may have given 4 stars. Super rude phone exchange this morning. Very very unpleasant treatment from their "receptionist". Pharmacy using this person as a liaison as they had some sort of phone system breakdown. Can't even describe how rude, impatient and aggressive the phone exchange was. As I needed to refill a prescription and am caring for an ill relative couldn't go in person. You don't want to be at Zitomer's mercy. Proceed with caution.... They are one of the only games in town but VERY unpredictable service.

A P.

Yelp

I came in to check out their hair accessories, and was made to feel so uncomfortable by the staff. I picked up a simple headband, which was already exorbitantly priced at $75, and was then trailed around the store as if I was going to steal it. I was about the make a purchase when I kept hearing an older store lady stressfully mutter to a salesperson to keep following me around the store. Awkward! I decided to return the product to the shelf (very theatrically, so no one thought I pocketed it). I ultimately opted not to support a business that makes its customers feel like thieves.

Bill G.

Yelp

This place is amazing. George and Larry could not have been more knowledgeable and helpful. An amazing institution!!!

Jaimee A.

Yelp

I really like this store! After my experience at Clyde's across the street, Zitomer was a breath of fresh air! The staff is very friendly without being overbearing. They say hello and ask if you need help navigating their product filled aisles. The selection is huge! They have Bumble and bumble, Kerastase, Chanel, Cle de Peau and a few others. The amount of hair ties, brushes and hairbands is overwhelming! They have a lot of French Pharmacy items as well. On the second floor, they have lingerie, scarves, make-up cases and assorted other items. The prices are the same as other stores carrying the same items. Overall, a very pleasant shopping experience.

Ian E.

Yelp

Amazing staff and customer service. Excellent selection of merchandise at very fair prices.

Marion M.

Yelp

Always so much wait to pick up prescriptions!!! non friendly staff, borderline practices: they called my doctor without my authorization to discuss my prescription . What a joke!

Bevy M.

Yelp

I love visiting Zitomer -- it is like stepping into a store where Lucy Ricardo and Ethel Mertz would have loved to shop during their NYC UES days. In addition to the well-stocked pharmacy and far-reaching drug-store apothecary inventory, they have a very nice holistic/naturopathic section, with all the vitamin, herbs, and natural supplements you could ask for. Beautiful selection of accessories, jewelry, fragrances, candles, gifts, cosmetics, and all the toiletries and sundries you'd need. Incredible umbrella inventory. Vast toy shop. Costumes for children. I love buying gifts here -- there is literally something for everyone on my list, and a wide-ranging price range as well -- there are a lot of high-end items, but also more affordable, creative items as well. Right next door is their pet emporium, with just about anything the pampered darling might need or desire. The staff are so nice and helpful. I love the displays, and just the ambiance here -- I have spent entire afternoons just browsing and shopping at Zitomer's. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?) have not run into any celebs yet . . .

Susan L.

Yelp

Before today, it had been many years since I'd last gone to Zitomer (and I have a rather amusing memory of my previous visit: I was on the first floor and I was one of the few customers. A very well-known actress was there and the young saleswoman was "falling all over herself" trying to "assist" the actress. I was looking at items further down that aisle and I maintained my cool; I just nodded at the actress [so she wouldn't think I was ignorant enough to not realize who she was; ha ha]). The positive aspect of Zitomer is the overall good selection. The third floor is the children's section and it has lots of cute items. The first floor has lots of nice cosmetics and lovely "gift" soaps, plus various other items (but mostly very pricey, although the selection is really good). Today I found a beautiful nightshirt on sale for half price (on the second floor), so I was very happy about that. The one (semi)-negative is the sales staff; I find them to be rather off-putting (to be blunt, I think most of them possess a "fakeness" gene). Still, it's impressive that Zitomer has been in business since 1950 and it's a family-owned business.

Lisa Marie K.

Yelp

I love zitomers it's my go to pharmacy in nyc - they have everything you can imagine and great prices with unique items

Moi T.

Yelp

They charge $30 for 2 passport pictures. The rest of the stuff they sell is also grossly overpriced

Ping K.

Yelp

This review is mainly for the amazing toy store/kids' boutique on the 3rd Floor, which is huge and has a great selection of creative toys and books, with some electronics. So many fun toys - both the flashy commercial stuff and the organic/wooden stuff - and prices are reasonable. Went there for the first time today on way to the Met, and it's now our go-to toy store (Astor Place Kmart also surprisingly good, though the space is depressing). Wish there was background music though, as the HVAC is quite loud and ominous.

Stacy M.

Yelp

They don't care about there customers or stand by there products. All they said was they couldn't help me and they walked away! I was so annoyed

Sarah M.

Yelp

I would much rather support a small business versus a chain like Duane reade or CVS, however I also don't want to support a business that has lacking customer service. I've been there a few times within the last several months and I feel like I'm being judged when I visit the pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions. The guy is always so rude, has an attitude and takes zero time to know his clients or assist them in understanding how to specifically use the prescriptions. I've literally received better service at target, and I just might start going back. Overall, zitomer has a lot of cute and unique clothing, accessories and cosmetics. They also have a lot of cute face masks. Lots of niche and staple brands available which is nice. Service throughout the store is usually great, it's just the pharmacy that is lacking.

Lateece D.

Yelp

Wonderful little apothecary with a vintage charm. Lovely staff with great know how and a sense of humor to match. Fully stocked with everything you need and more especially some of those great little creams and fragrances from yesterday.

Michael R.

Yelp

I am re-posting this review from Dec. 2018, because it appears not to be visible unless you are logged into Yelp. Zitomer is no longer a full-service pharmacy. Beginning in the latter half of 2018, they began to pick and choose the prescriptions from which they can "make money" (that's a direct quote from one pharmacist). If your insurance coverage doesn't supply them with enough profit, they'll refuse to fill your prescription or claim it's out of stock. My wife and I had been customers for nearly twenty years, and every medication they refused to provide was one we had been able to get there in the past. And in each instance, Duane Reade filled the prescription (and accepted our insurance) without issue. We have now transferred all of our prescription drug business there. Who wants to have to guess, when your doctor calls in a prescription or you call in a refill, whether Zitomer will deign to fill it?

L. E.

Yelp

Good stuff. Staff's a little...weird. Doesn't totally know the stock, which is fine, but there's slight attitude. Not a big deal. Then, after I got my order ready, the attendant specifically and randomly suggested I buy a product that can help with "dark spots and sagging under the eyes". Oh my lord. Speaking as a former model who is used to assessing my looks - good and bad - objectively, dark spots under the eyes has not really been my issue but I had to admire the gentleman's ability to create an insecurity in a person and leverage that to make a sale. It was masterful. I would suggest a less abrupt pivot in the future as it was the abruptness of the pitch that made me question the motive. And also that made it kinda rude. Solid selection of pedicure stuff which is why I came, though. A bit more of a markup than usual, but that's probably to pay for the extra rude/weird thing. Retaining talent like that can be expensive.

Aurora C.

Yelp

Came here to find a specific costume item and was redirected by inattentive staff members several times. Everything inside is- not very shockingly- highly marked up and can be bought on Amazon for a fraction of the price they ask for.

Marisa B.

Yelp

I've never been inside this store (so I can't attest to the in-person customer service) but my experience over the phone was terrible. I spoke to various employees and each was ruder than the next (in fact, I got hung up on once for no apparent reason). I chalked this up to culture shock (I'm from California), but judging by the numerous revealing reviews of the staff, it seems it's more than that...

Dianne W.

Yelp

Zitomer is one of my favorite emporiums anywhere. Three floors of delightful cosmetics, women's lingerie, children's clothing & toys, plus a whole lot more. Last visit I purchased several powder eyeshadow palettes from their own brand, quality on those is very good. The store also carries European brands which are hard to find in the USA. I visit NYC once a year and ALWAYS stop at Zitomer. As one other reviewer said, it's like stepping back in time. Highly recommended.

Andrew Y.

Yelp

Could be the best, most authentic pharmacy in NYC. Besides the fact that the store is something out of a 70s Fay Dunnaway NYC film (which is worth seeing in itself) they have absolutely everything along with one of a kind and hard to find products. Zitomers is the best of its kind.

Moni K.

Yelp

It is all about the first floor at Zitomer that is where all the fun is. General pharmacy, imported hair products and soaps, fragrances, creams and makeup vendors are all on the first floor. Zitomer also has well known brands such as Kiehl's, Bumble and Bumble, Moroccan hair oil. They also have beautiful hair accessories and so much more. A girl's dream. The items are little pricy but it is NYC. I am adding Zitomer to my regular places to shop.

Elle P.

Yelp

Oh my goodness, walking into Zitomer (complete with a doormen who opens the door for you) was like stepping into a bygone era where men always wore suits to the office, women never stepped out without a hat and gloves, and Camelot reigned. The selection of goods here are incredible. Lots of wonderful shampoos, conditioners, soaps, vitamins, and supplements -- not the usual stuff that you see at CVS or at Duane Reade, but lovely luxury goods. The pharmacy is fantastic and carries hard to find items. Yeah, so if you can't find something at DR, then come here. They'll have it for sure. And stay to browse the aisles.

Jose T.

Yelp

We have been clients of Zitomer for many years and I was surprised to hear that when our housekeeper went to pick something up for us and asked for a receipt the girl behind the counter, Catherine, threw it at her very rudely and degrading. I would appreciate if this is taken into consideration and corrected as no one deserves to be treated like that.

Caterina M.

Yelp

OMG if your a product junkie like me- Zitomer's is the place to be! I was addicted to this store for years and now visit occasionally and every time I buy something :) Hair stuff, beauty stuff, makeup, pimple creams, stockings, nipple covers I mean just anything :) They carry good brands- high quality. And I have used their pharmacy as well and it is good, they are kind and run what looks like a family business even if it isn't i don't really know.

Karen F.

Yelp

A pharmacy, cosmetics store, jewelry/gifts and children's toys all in one. I loooooooove it here. Granted, it's pricey (you are in a high rent area), but in a pinch when you just gotta re-stock your mustela or naturopathic allergy tablets, this is THE place. Great for browsing and buying. Cute jewelry and hair accesories, too. And a doorman!

Samantha S.

Yelp

Classy, upscale tchotchke and beauty aid emporium. It's huge inside, three floors of tightly packed loveliness. And yet, unless you're looking to increase your headband collection, you will almost certainly leave disappointed. Everything is high quality, but the stock is shallow and limited. Children's clothes, Spanx, greeting cards, makeup, fancy soap--Zitomer has some of everything, but only some, and prices are high. The salespeople are nice, but after I was approached for the dozenth time, I had to leave. If you like to be pampered, this might be the place for you, but it falls short for the more practical among us.

Gani P.

Yelp

Larry in pharmacy is disgusting. My employee called in prescriptions for refill today. I heard every word, the phone was on speaker. My employee had all the necessary info on hand & gave it to him as he asked. His tone was angry and hostile and on the verge of yelling. He berated her. Told her he had other calls waiting and was closing soon. She was giving him the info as fast as she could and accurately. Zitomer management: Larry can't handle the stress of the job and treats customers like they are garbage. Maybe you should give him some time off? Lots of people are looking for work right now.

Kyle E.

Yelp

I am very disappointed in my recent customer service treatment in the makeup dept. I have consistently been a good customer, but due to the unpleasant behavior of the woman who is the head of the department I will no longer give them my business.

Ashton C.

Yelp

This is a NYC staple -- part pharmacy, part cosmetics, part kids clothing (labels you wouldn't be able to find elsewhere on the Upper East Side), part endless children's toy section. It sounds like an odd combination, but it works, and has for as long as I can remember. Literally anything you can imagine needing for your bathroom medicine cabinet, toiletries, board games for your kids, big and small Elmos, stocking stuffer gifts, etc -- they will have it. Every narrow aisle has someone available to help or guide you. It's unusual to have a spot like this on Madison avenue in Manhattan -- instead, you would expect to find it on 2nd or 3rd avenue, but Zitomers is a unique spot, and even has a doorman.

Rachel O.

Yelp

I had such a weird experience here. I was looking for a couple of birthday presents -- you know the kind: small, but meaningful; something you know the person will really like. This takes time! This one SA kept watching me and finally she did that weird double finger point at her eyes and then pointed to me and said, "I'm watching you." I have not been back since.

Natalia R.

Yelp

I needed a cream that I simply cannot find in Los Angeles. Unsure if Zitomer delivers to LA, I walked to Madison to find Zitomer not far from the priciest boutiques selling shoes, purses and, sadly, fur. I walked in and browsed for only a minute or two but not finding what I wanted, I asked a man standing near the counter for a product. He then called a lady who took me to where it was located. They didn't have both products but only one, the last one, in a slightly damaged box. She apologized for the box's state and offered 10% off which I promptly accepted. If my suitcase had any more space for a few bottles of lotions and creams and all kinds of goodies for skin and body, I would have spent a couple hours (and a few hundreds of dollars) at Zitomer.

Olivia S.

Yelp

My favorite drug store in the neighborhood . Never had to wait for my new meds or refills . Charge and delivery option is very convenient. The variety of products is amazing . Great European skin care products, makeup sand perfumes !!! Love it

Hk B.

Yelp

Zitomer Pharmacy knew something was sketchy when my ex-therapist kept prescribing drugs under my name with ridiculous amounts of painkillers. Did they tell me? No. It was only years after the fact when I came in investigating the situation on a hunch, did they say "we knew something was up..." Thanks for calling. I haven't been in there for 10 years and I've got a drug sheet they were well aware of a mile long. I called the police only to be asked why I did so. Seriously, it's criminal.

Laura F.

Yelp

I'm sure that this pharmacy/drug store/beauty bar/toy store has most of what the upper east side resident is looking for. They do have a wonderful selection at equally fantastic prices and the staff is usually helpful. However, don't bother trying to call in to check on a prescription. I waited for 5.5 minutes until someone finally hung up on m. I tried again and gave up after 7 minutes. On my third call, I asked for the manager and learned that the medicine I had ordered for delivery at 12PM was "probably" on its' way. (It is now 4:30) I don't know about where you come from but for me, that is NOT good service.

Jean Marie H.

Yelp

The one star is for the interesting merchandise they have. The four they didn't get are for Ari, the rudest person I've experienced in quite some time. I tried to exchange a purchase from yesterday and he said no, because of NYS law (?), and even if that's true, THERE IS NO NEED TO BE RUDE. I will never, ever spend one dollar more in that store, which is unfortunate because they have cute things and I enjoy shopping in there when I'm in town.

Rehana Radha R.

Yelp

It's a large pharmacy but not very helpful and they are way over priced. Wouldn't go back there.

Elizabeth W.

Yelp

A great find. Sally went out of her way to help me in the cosmetics department and then I found the perfect baby album in the children's section upstairs.

Annie R.

Yelp

Hello 1965- this place is great and has great skin care/cosmetics/candles? They also have normal things at a Duane read water batteries etc. tbt in here for sure

Jane S.

Yelp

The selection at this Upper East Side classic is sure to delight, with everything from Cle de Peau Beaute and Chanel makeup, Kiehl's and Molton Brown toiletries, "travel jewelry" , to a huge assortment of my favorite Made-in-France tortoiseshell clips. There is also a curiously large selection of headbands in every color imaginable in multiple fabrications. Prices are high and the store itself is a bit outdated, but the selection is awesome, which makes Zitomer a fun place to browse and buy. The staff kept asking me if I needed help - I couldn't tell if I looked suspicious or if I genuinely looked lost!

Barbara B.

Yelp

Yes it's expensive. But it's NYC OK? What a cool concept. We never miss stopping into this neat 3 tier pharmacy when in town. Three floors of sheer delight, from imported salves to kids toys and gifts! Don't miss this delightful, old time drug store. There's everything there but the soda fountain! Lots of helpful staff at the ready to help you with absolutely anything you may need! If they don't have it there---they don't have it anywhere. Real NYC.

The New York City Kids Guide

The Uptown Manhattan Guide

Where to Go Shopping in NYC | Condé Nast Traveler

@cntraveler

@janiekorn

Nyc❤️

@susanalexandra.com

BEST NYC