nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Thanks for that, I wasn't aware that there was any camera stores left in the bay area!

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Local stores are nice but have limited inventory and brands. I support them when I can but most things I want they don't carry or won't be able to get. I cannot fix that for them. It is a new world today for better or worse. I was in a woodworking store in Florida last week. I asked about something that I would have purchased on the spot from a line that they carried. They didn't stock it. They said they ordered from that company once or twice a month. I was traveling so had no interest in placing an order with them. But the real truth was that I could order the item on the internet and have it in 2 days...waiting for me when I returned home. That is the reality... be it cameras or most other goods.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Geofw Loc: Thornton Cleveleys UK

My local store is "Marshalls Camera" in Auburndale" Florida, great customer service and helpful staff.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

There have been a number of posts like this. BUT, it is well worth revisiting.

Just outside of Philadelphia, Allen's Camera 4401 New Falls Road. Levittown, PA. 19056. 1-888-547-2841.

markmmmm

National Camera Exchange in the Minneapolis St. Paul area is outstanding. A+++++ service, knowledge, and selection. Price is more than competative w online and trade-in value also exceptional. Absolutely the best.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I wish I had someone to endorse. : (

jtwind

Camera Company in Madison WI is quite good, knowledgeable staff, competitive prices, many classes etc.

joanloy Loc: St. Louis, MO

In St. Louis I have used both Schiller's and Creve Coeur Camera. Schiller's seems to have move knowledgeable and helpful sales personnel.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

You're in the Catskills. You can get into Manhattan without too much trouble (a couple hours maybe). Make a weekend of it!. Take in a show on Saturday and go to B&H or Adorama on Sunday.

twillsol Loc: St. Louis, MO

I agree with you, but you left out Creve Coeur Camera. Great local store too. Many times Schillers is not interested in selling you anything if you are not a professional. I do purchase from them, as they have more of the professional level accessories like my Gitzo tripod I purchased from them. But not being a professional, they don't seem to care. But I also must admit, that Creve Coeur Camera is just about as bad. My friend and I go to B&H for most of our photography needs. But many times I want to hold what I am buying before I buy it. then I go to Schillers or Creve Coeur Camera.

theolog01

Peace Camera in Raleigh NC is where I go for purchases and help. They are knowledgeable, competitive with prices and and open to challenging discussion.

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

This thread is probably one of the best and most important discussions that I have come across. 'Local' store is defined differently for all us. Living in the NY Metro area there are a ton of local stores. And probably they have all been mentioned here in one way or another. I own a store in my town that sells merchandise to the trade and retail. While one can purchase everything from the internet; as has been said here, they cannot purchase the expertise and help that a knowledgeable sales person can provide. In my business, this advice often saves the customer time, money on the actual purchase, and avoid costly mistakes. My town, has empty storefronts. The primary reasons are: too high asking rents and lousy service. I've been in my town for over 40 years and 'know' everyone. The demographics are at the very high income end. There is no reason for a good merchant, who wants to remain in business, to stay in business. Merchants who choose not to adapt to the changing landscape created by virtual shopping networks are doomed to fail. But, we as local residents, have a responsibility to do business with our local businesses. How often have you heard..'look at all the empty stores..our town looks like a ghost town!'. In many instances, the reason is that we go out of our way to purchase 'online' or, in the NY Metro area, travel to another area and buy exactly the same things that you could purchase in your home town for the same or slightly more money. And, get the service at home that you cannot get at the other place. So how does this affect 'you'? Vacancies equal local tax 'give-backs' to the property owner when tax certiorari proceedings occur. Empty stores beget empty stores because foot traffic declines. Empty storefronts depress real estate values in your hometown. In the end, the value of your home does not increase as you had wished. And, your local taxes are raised to make up for the loss of income due to the loss of commercial businesses. Let me be clear, it is not your responsibility to support lousy businesses in your local area. But you need to give them a chance. So, being fully chastised, my next purchase will be from a 'local' dealer, Berger Bros Camera.(The last home town camera store closed about 8 years ago). While 20 minutes away, still my 'county' and they do offer the type of service we all would like. As long as they are competitive, and they are, they will have my business. I'll pay the tax and gladly accept their service.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

I'm lucky. I can go to B&H or Adorama.

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

Spartan Photo Center, Spartanburg SC. Mike and his crew are friendly, knowledgeable and try their best to make a deal favorable for both parties. Everything photography, and they do mail order sales. They are also the home of Manfrottotripodparts.com, offering in-house service of Manfrotto tripods as well as parts sales for DIY tripod repair. Last brick and mortar photography store in South Carolina.

FL Streetrodder

Heartening to hear that some still exist, unfortunately not in my area!