R&M Variety Shop Uptown

Hello, fellow Pennsylvanians! When you're looking for a local business that offers a diverse range of products and services, sometimes a "variety shop" can be just the ticket. In Harrisburg, we have R&M Variety Shop Uptown, a place that, according to customer feedback and public listings, offers more than just everyday items. This establishment appears to combine the convenience of a general goods store with specialized services like U-Haul rentals. Such multi-faceted local businesses can be incredibly useful for our community, catering to various needs from personal care items to moving logistics. This article aims to provide a factual and informative overview of R&M Variety Shop Uptown, drawing on available public information and customer experiences, to help you understand what this Harrisburg location offers and what to keep in mind for your visit.

R&M Variety Shop Uptown is located at 1001 Maclay St, Harrisburg, PA 17103, USA. This address places it in an accessible part of Harrisburg, within what's known as the Uptown neighborhood. Maclay Street is a notable thoroughfare, ensuring that the shop is relatively easy to find for those driving. For parking, customers would likely find street parking or small lots in the vicinity, typical of urban commercial areas. For residents relying on public transportation, Capital Area Transit (CAT) bus routes likely service the Maclay Street area, offering connections from various parts of the city. Being an established local presence in Uptown Harrisburg contributes to its accessibility and familiarity for area residents. The store's operating hours are generally listed as Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, which provides ample opportunity for customers to visit.

R&M Variety Shop Uptown, as its name suggests and based on customer feedback, appears to offer a range of products and services. While "variety shops" typically sell a broad assortment of general merchandise, this specific location also functions as a U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer, significantly expanding its service scope. Here's a breakdown of the services you can expect:

• General Variety Store Merchandise: This would typically include everyday household items, personal care products, and miscellaneous goods. One customer specifically mentioned purchasing "Jam" for natural hair braids and synthetic hair, indicating a focus on hair care products. Other variety stores often stock health and beauty aids, stationery, candy, pet supplies, and small electronics.
• U-Haul Moving Truck Rentals: R&M Variety Shop Uptown is an authorized U-Haul location. This means they offer moving truck rentals for both in-town and one-way moves.
• U-Haul Trailer & Towing Equipment: In addition to trucks, they also provide rentals for various trailers (cargo, enclosed, utility, car, motorcycle) and towing equipment.
• Moving Supplies Sales: Customers can purchase a range of moving supplies necessary for a do-it-yourself move, such as boxes, packing tape, bubble cushion wrap, locks, moving blankets, and dollies.
• 24-Hour Customer Return (for U-Haul): U-Haul rentals typically allow for 24-hour returns, offering flexibility for customers.
• Lease-to-Own Options: Public information indicates that R&M Variety Shop Uptown partners with services like Acima, offering lease-to-own options for various items, including furniture, electronics, appliances, and even tires, providing a flexible payment alternative for customers.

R&M Variety Shop Uptown distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights, though it's important to consider all aspects of customer feedback:

• Dual Functionality: A significant highlight is its dual role as both a local variety shop and a U-Haul rental location. This offers a unique convenience, allowing customers to handle moving needs and pick up essential goods in one stop.
• Hair Care Product Availability: One positive review specifically mentioned a hair "Jam" product suitable for natural and synthetic hair, suggesting a potentially specialized inventory in hair care items that caters to specific community needs. The reviewer also emphasized the importance of hair care love, indicating a potential customer base interested in these specific products.
• Broad U-Haul Services: As a U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer, the shop provides access to a comprehensive range of moving solutions, from various truck and trailer sizes to a full suite of moving supplies, making it a crucial resource for individuals or families undertaking a move in the Harrisburg area.
• Customer Service Variability and Concerns: However, customer reviews also highlight significant concerns regarding U-Haul rental experiences. One extensive review details issues with an alleged disrespectful manager named Kiran, being yelled at for a dirty truck that was reportedly already dirty, and attempts to charge for missing gas or damaged dollies without proper accountability. The review strongly advises customers to "beware" and take pictures of the gas meter and the truck's condition to avoid being wrongly charged. This indicates a potential inconsistency in customer service and transparency, which is a critical point for potential users.
• Lease-to-Own Accessibility: The partnership with lease-to-own providers like Acima allows customers who might not have perfect credit to acquire needed items, which is a valuable financial flexibility feature for the community.

Based on the available information, R&M Variety Shop Uptown's primary "promotions" are tied to the services they offer as a U-Haul dealer and their partnership with lease-to-own programs. Specific, ongoing sales or discount events for their general variety store merchandise are not explicitly detailed in the provided public data.

• U-Haul Rental Rates: U-Haul itself has competitive rental rates for trucks and trailers, and being a neighborhood dealer means R&M Variety Shop Uptown offers access to these standard U-Haul pricing structures for both in-town and one-way rentals. Customers should always verify current rates directly with U-Haul or the location.
• Lease-to-Own Flexibility: The lease-to-own options provided through partners like Acima serve as a flexible payment promotion, allowing customers to take home items with small lease renewal payments, early purchase options, or the ability to return items if they no longer meet needs. This is a significant financial offering for the community.
• Moving Supplies Availability: While not a "promotion" in the discount sense, the ready availability of a full line of U-Haul moving supplies in-store (boxes, tape, packing materials, dollies) at standard U-Haul pricing adds convenience and value for customers.

Given the negative customer feedback regarding billing and service issues, it is highly advisable for customers to meticulously document the condition of U-Haul rentals and confirm all charges.

Should you need to contact R&M Variety Shop Uptown for inquiries about their products, U-Haul rentals, or other services, here is their information:

• Address: 1001 Maclay St, Harrisburg, PA 17103, USA
• Phone: (717) 236-7700
• Mobile Phone: +1 717-236-7700

For U-Haul specific inquiries, it's worth noting that U-Haul also lists a separate contact number for this location: (717) 260-3577. When dealing with U-Haul rentals, especially in light of the customer review, it would be prudent to ensure clear communication and documentation of all aspects of your rental.

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in Harrisburg's Uptown neighborhood, R&M Variety Shop Uptown offers a unique combination of services that can be highly beneficial. Its dual function as a general variety store that stocks items like hair care products, alongside being a U-Haul rental location, positions it as a convenient, multifaceted resource for local needs. This combination can save time and effort for those looking to purchase everyday items and handle moving logistics in one trip. The availability of lease-to-own options further broadens accessibility for consumers looking for flexible payment solutions for larger purchases.

However, it is critically important for local users to approach their interactions, especially regarding U-Haul rentals, with caution and diligence. The detailed negative feedback regarding inconsistent customer service, alleged disrespectful behavior from staff, and issues with billing transparency (specifically concerning fuel levels and equipment damage) necessitates a proactive approach from the customer. To ensure a positive experience, Pennsylvanians should make sure to meticulously document the condition of U-Haul vehicles with photos and videos, verify fuel levels against contracts, and confirm all charges before and after rental. By being well-informed and taking these precautions, local residents can still utilize the convenience and range of services offered by R&M Variety Shop Uptown, particularly for their diverse product needs and moving solutions.