Local Camera Stores in the Age of Big Boxes
Jun 9, 2017 08:00:22 #
pithydoug wrote:
I bought a lot of gear there but for some i went online. As much as i wanted to support them, I could find the same lens many hundreds cheaper and in some cases from a store that didn't do taxes. Sure I claimed on my income tax. Wink. I wonder how long they will survive with the printing side. Sadly, there are dozens of online places that do the same quality and a hell of lot cheaper.
You're absolutely correct. Rich isn't even there anymore. I asked if he retired and the guy I was speaking with just kind of smiled funny. So who knows what happened to him. It's just sad the small, local stores can't co-exists with the big box stores and online outlets.
Jun 9, 2017 08:04:46 #
In South Carolina we only have one store in the state. The sad part novice photographers have very few places to ask and learn except online, not that it bad but someone holding a camera and showing how something works is great.
Jun 9, 2017 08:09:01 #
Even though I'm an amateur in ever sense of the word, going to a "real" camera store is not only very educational to me, but it also gives me the opportunity to touch & test anything I'm considering to buy.
I'm very lucky to have 2 local stores within 10 minutes from my home. Unique Photo in Fairfield NJ. They are a true camera store and have a great sales team that are always friendly and very helpful. They have just about everything you need, including used gear, and they back up what they sell. I also have Livingston Camera in Livingston NJ. This is a small family owned store and are also very helpful and knowledgeable. During my business travel I also had the chance to go to B&H in NYC, and Cameta in LI. Both excellent stores as well.
I'm very lucky to have 2 local stores within 10 minutes from my home. Unique Photo in Fairfield NJ. They are a true camera store and have a great sales team that are always friendly and very helpful. They have just about everything you need, including used gear, and they back up what they sell. I also have Livingston Camera in Livingston NJ. This is a small family owned store and are also very helpful and knowledgeable. During my business travel I also had the chance to go to B&H in NYC, and Cameta in LI. Both excellent stores as well.
Jun 9, 2017 08:18:05 #
What I hope people don't do is go to a local camera store ( for me colonial photo and hobby in Orlando ) test a camera then leave and order online just to get out of paging sales tax.
Jun 9, 2017 08:25:35 #
I used to support our local camera store until it closed over 4 years ago. Now with no local store on island I Have to take a plane and fly 80 miles to visit a local camera store. I will support that store via phone calls and the internet as long as I can. The reason they will always get my support is they have always answered my questions even when I call. When I'm on Oahu I make sure I go by and talk with the owner and tell him thanks.
Jun 9, 2017 08:27:14 #
Dodd's "keeping it real" here in Cincy. And, I'm only an hour and 40 minutes from one of the best in the Midwest, Roberts of Indy.
Jun 9, 2017 08:27:59 #
ExTech2 wrote:
I live 60 miles from my local store. That is Schillers in St. Louis, MO. Extremely knowledgeable staff, great service, honest and reputable. Highly recommend them to anyone.
St. Louis also has Creve Coeur Camera. In my opinion Schiller's employees are a little more knowledgeable about cameras.
Jun 9, 2017 08:31:52 #
jccash wrote:
What I hope people don't do is go to a local camera store ( for me colonial photo and hobby in Orlando ) test a camera then leave and order online just to get out of paging sales tax.
Problem is, that is exactly what happens almost daily. Then they are the ones who complain the loudest when the mom & pop shop closes down (or they relish the thought of buying items at highly discounted prices) Idiots, that place no value on reason, intelligence or loyalty. Hence the rise of WallyWord and the election of what is now sitting in the White House.
Jun 9, 2017 08:32:20 #
rook2c4 wrote:
Yes, nowadays Allen's Camera is the place to go if you live in the Philadelphia area. Within the city, there's Jack's Cameras. And in nearby Abington, Larmon Photo is still around, once very popular among pro photographers.
I have to concur, although some of the staff at Cardinal Camera in Lansdale are also helpful and knowledgeable. I have yet to find anyone in our area that stocks Pentax equipment, though.
Jun 9, 2017 08:35:36 #
dcampbell52 wrote:
Also New York Camera and Video in Southampton Pa. (just south of Philadelphia and just east of Warminster Pa)...
Southampton is north of Philly.
Jun 9, 2017 08:38:58 #
The Cleveland area has a string of Dodd Camera stores. Top service, advice and quality inventory.
~Lee
~Lee
Jun 9, 2017 08:39:01 #
jayw
Loc: Contoocook, NH
I've been dealing with Hunts for many years and have had nothing but excellent service. This is my experience with Hunts Photo, Eric & his staff.
When I bought my Canon Pro100 printer, I was to get a box of paper and rebate. Unfortunately, Canon was back ordering the paper. Hunts was expecting a supply within a few days. Well days turned to weeks and more. Fearing I would miss out on the rebate, I went back to the store and Eric did whatever he had to do to insure I would get the rebate as I was willing to wait for the paper. He also gave me a small supply of the Luster (LU 101) to hold me over.
Well after waiting several more weeks (yes, I did get the rebate), I went back looking to negotiate getting different paper of equal value. One of the sales people (forgot his name unfortunately, but if he monitors this website, he'll know who he is) over heard me and asked if I could hang around for a few minutes. He left the shop and returned shortly with the case of paper. He said he went to his home and he gave me a case from his personal stash (sealed/unopened). That's what I call customer service! I don't know any big box store that would do that.
While the Manchester, NH store is a distance from where I live, I do have family in Manchester and work close by which makes getting to their store easier. Even if I didn't have family or worked nearby, I will and still do make every effort to go to them first.
Kudos to Hunts Photo!
When I bought my Canon Pro100 printer, I was to get a box of paper and rebate. Unfortunately, Canon was back ordering the paper. Hunts was expecting a supply within a few days. Well days turned to weeks and more. Fearing I would miss out on the rebate, I went back to the store and Eric did whatever he had to do to insure I would get the rebate as I was willing to wait for the paper. He also gave me a small supply of the Luster (LU 101) to hold me over.
Well after waiting several more weeks (yes, I did get the rebate), I went back looking to negotiate getting different paper of equal value. One of the sales people (forgot his name unfortunately, but if he monitors this website, he'll know who he is) over heard me and asked if I could hang around for a few minutes. He left the shop and returned shortly with the case of paper. He said he went to his home and he gave me a case from his personal stash (sealed/unopened). That's what I call customer service! I don't know any big box store that would do that.
While the Manchester, NH store is a distance from where I live, I do have family in Manchester and work close by which makes getting to their store easier. Even if I didn't have family or worked nearby, I will and still do make every effort to go to them first.
Kudos to Hunts Photo!
Jun 9, 2017 08:40:13 #
dsmeltz wrote:
I am in Philadelphia and (since the closing of Calumet) have to go outside the city to get to a good reliable store with knowledgeable staff.
How are local stores in your area?
How are local stores in your area?
Besides the big guns, B & H and Adorama, there are not that many serious camera stores here in Manhattan, NYC. There's Foto-Care on W. 22 Street in Midtown and K & M on Broadway, several blocks below Canal Street. Both have been helpful and competent with their advice.
Jun 9, 2017 08:41:49 #
jim in TC
Loc: Traverse City, Michigan
The imaginatively named The Camera Shop in NW Michigan (Traverse City) seems to be busy and successful, and I get good advise and service there. It is rare that their pricing is much if any above the big box, and often beats or matches even the internet. Product selection is good though of course not comprehensive. It is not the only place I have gotten supplies and equipment, but always where I start and usually where I end up.
Jun 9, 2017 08:43:51 #
I am fortunate to live ten minutes away from Cameta Camera's retail store in Amityville, NY. If I am in NYC, B&H and Adorama stores are there.
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