d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

Actually, unbelievably, I have seen a variation of that occurrence. People have purchased a meal at another place that either did not have seating, or where seats were not available, and brought the food to McDonalds to eat it, then left their trash for the McDonald's staff to clean. People are all kind of rude!

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

Yes, many if not most of the local retailers have gone by way of the dodo bird. But some still survive. If we support them it will become clear that a photo store might actually still be a viable business model and in time there may be new stores opening up to fill the gap created by the ones that closed. But if we just all flock online the stores that are left will also eventually close and the message left on the street is to not bother opening a store because you can't make money that way.

On the other hand business is a matter of survival of the fitest and if that means some less fit organizations have to go extinct perhaps that's best for the world. After all who cares if a particularl bird or fish or animal disappears from the surface of the planet? If you are one of those, online is certainly the way to go and the extinction of the camera store should be celebrated. But if you do feel there is some value to a store it's time to take action before it's too late assuming it's not already too late.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

The problem with saving camera stores is in some ways similar to the problem of saving a particular variety of birds etc. The wild critter in question depends on how we treat their environment, but a lot of habitats are endangered by behaviors of humans that enter into that area. No matter how much we as individuals shop locally, we cannot control where our neighbors shop. And local businesses DEPEND on local shoppers. Apparently the survivors have maintained such a high level of quality in their business practices and their customer service that people continue to shop there and encourage others to check it out. Another aspect to this survival is adaptation. Just like wildlife, people and businesses have to adapt to a changing environment. As a result of adapting, brick and mortar stores like B&H and Adorama have become well-known and trusted throughout the photography community, no matter where they are located. Not every store can reach this level, but even if they only become "famous" in their own region, that could go a long way toward ensuring survival!

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

You raise compelling points that can't be argued. You also end with a bit of hope.

"B&H and Adorama have become well-known and trusted throughout the photography community, no matter where they are located. Not every store can reach this level, but even if they only become "famous" in their own region, that could go a long way toward ensuring survival"

It may be possible for them to also eventually open a few local stores depending on how well they do online but as you said too, that depends on the environment. I guess we wait and see and in the meantime treasure the stores we still have.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

While I agree that a local store can also become a regional "chain", it is a very risky endeavor. The big problem with "brick and mortar" stores is overhead. So if the clientele doesn't come, they are in trouble. The internet has made it possible for good online vendors to survive without that kind of investment. B&H and Adorama are one-store businesses, but that "store" serves the photography nation! I know there are others who are trusted, but I don't know much about how they operate. I have been to B&H, though, and was impressed! I was in NYC and just HAD to go there and see it.

It is difficult for any store to make going there an adventure, an experience to remember, but B&H has done that! It has become a sort of pilgrimage destination... All this without any fancy bells and whistles!!!

Festus Loc: North Dakota

I have purchased from both local and the big national sellers. I try to support the local retailer as much as possible. Generally, if what I want to purchase is not a newly released piece of equipment, the local retailer will give me a discount that about takes care of the local taxes. If the item is a just released item and I can't live without it, and the local dealer won't give me the discount, I will purchase from B&H or Adorama (especially if it is several thousands $). Bottom line is I will always purchase locally if possible. Even if I have to pay the taxes.

BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

Not regarding any one particular post...but this sentiment of "Oh! We must save the diminishing "Local Photography Stores," is so very corny, and carried way too far, by some nostalgic "bleeding hearts". We live in a real world which progresses in accord to the facts of life. I find it hard to believe that so many people value a "relationship" with a man, who sells camera's for a living, and provides you, with "his opinion," of what is the "best gear" for You, to purchase. I spend many weeks, doing extensive research,
on the internet, reading many test and evaluative reviews, on all suitable equipment, prior to narrowing my selection down, item by item, to the unit which is best suited for my own purposes. I couldn't imagine, taking the opinion of a man, who works in a retail store, and basing my purchase, on what he has to say; let alone, "building up a long term relationship, with that one individual." That sounds like something for people who are insecure and are unable to make sound decisions on their own. Further, to pay many dollars, sales tax, on an expensive item, when you don't have to, is foolishness; it shows that you are personally addicted to your fancy. For myself, a store such as B&H meets all of my needs, in every way. If you need to handle the equipment prior to purchasing it, travel to B&H, or go to one of the many "public chain stores" that are set-up to permit, allow, and enable any person, from off of the street, to come in, and to handle their merchandise, which they have placed out onto display, for "John Q. Public" to pick up and to play with, even if, he has no intention, of ever purchasing it. Such a store, for example: "Best Buy." Also, it would be a very nice thing if "Local Camera Stores" were able to flourish today, but unfortunately due to our economy and way of life, that is not the case, and as time goes by they will become a rarity. This is simply my own opinion...Have a nice day.
This is in many ways a sad thing, I admit, but it is a reality that we must live with; for we have no choice in the matter.

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

That's quite a dissertation. I won't argue your points. There are some who argue that extinction is a good thing not a bad thing. Perhaps they are right. But I also feel sorry for you. Spending enormous amounts of time researching on the internet is a questionable ecercise since it is not possible to be sure that everything you are told is actually true and there is no simple reliable method to verify the alleged facts that are provided. I guess you don't bother to consult a doctor either, you just research your symptoms on the internet believing all you read and then order the drugs you think you need. I just hope you never catch a bug that requires instant treatment, you'd not survive it.

Finally, I guess you're the kind who never asks a friend for advice to solve a vexing issue. After all the friend can only express an opinion too. So there's no point arguing this point either. I will say however that I've always found it more expedient and effective to seek advice from friends and those I trust and respect and that includes camera stores I've patronized and known. That's not to say I don't do research too, it's just to say that I prefer the wisdom of experience to advise me sometimes.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

I cannot imagine not being able to trust anyone else's opinion! And, as you say, not everything you see on the internet is accurate - too many uninformed opinions. I do a lot of online research too, but also ask a lot of questions of people I believe might be able to help. Then I sift through it all and make a decision based on what I have learned and how much I trust it. That is still not insurance against making a wrong choice! I speak from experience... But overall I have been lucky, and also try to be smart about what I buy and when. My feeling is it is important to keep in mind, that person in the camera store may very well be an avid and knowledgeable photographer; or the owner of the store! It is important to show respect for them, regardless of whether they are "up to your standards". You never know what a stranger knows until you interact, and I have found it is possible to learn from a lot of different people.

brucebc Loc: Tooele, Utah

I went into a retail store to Look at a particular camera. When I asked for it the counter person called "Rob we need your Pentax expertise over here." Rob had a number of large photo's on the wall of the store taken with the Pentax K-1 that I was interested in. To me that calls question to the following statement you made; I couldn't imagine, taking the opinion of a man, who works in a retail store, and basing my purchase, on what he has to say; let alone, "building up a long term relationship, with that one individual." That man's knowledge and familiarity of the K-1 resulted in my purchase of one that day from him. At a better price than I had found on the internet. When I want a future gear that store will get a look from me.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

An important consideration is lost in this discussion. It has been established that before you buy a camera that you should hold it in your hands first and see if it feels right. Countless hog inputs have touted this fact. Further, it has also been established that many brick and mortar shops are dealers and sell cameras and lenses for the same price as on-line prices for this same gear. Finally, some feel that you should not rely on "one man" to influence your camera decisions. It has also been brought out in this forum that we should conduct our own thorough research before we purchase a camera or lenses. Therefore, doesn't it seem feasible that we can purchase a camera or lenses from a brick and mortar store if we know what we want and will not be influenced by the "one man" and that a least that we are able to hold the camera of our choice and pay the same price as on-line stores. Some of you visit a camera store and hold the camera and then buy it on-line.

Chico 1948 Loc: Cincinnati

Well, I certainly started something! Thank you to all for the cogent discussion of Web vs Brick. I bought my D750 today at Dodd Camera in Cincinnati. Same price as Amazon, Adorama, B&H, etc. they threw in a battery, storage card, cleaning kit. Nice gesture. I did my research on UHH, the web, and photographers. Couldn't be happier.

Thanx again, Pete

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Enjoy your new toy!