JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

Unfortunately, we here in Hawaii no longer have any camera stores we can purchase from. Its been that way for about 5 years. There are several photo studios that may carry some cameras and lenses but are very sparse in what they offer. I have always purchased from my local camera stores even though I'd pay a little bit more. It was always worth being able to walk in and get the information from people who were in the business. I even purchased from Alhambra Camera, the store where I bought my first SLR back in the early 60s. Unfortunately they went out of business just a little over a year ago. I'll miss my camera stores but will still be looking forward to finding more as I visit the mainland in the future.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

When I was in Barcelona, Spain I scoped out some camera stores. This is for a just in case dituation. The best one was a department store with a photography section. They were a little more expensive than in the states about 25% more in Euros. Ouch! If and when you come to New York City we have a few top-notch absolutely phenomenal stores with out of this world great customer service. See you soon

Diamond41 Loc: St. Louis, MO

thanks for all the replies. The owner has said he cannot compete with Online dealers and phones. I was in there today and was told they will keep doing classes, just not at the location of the last store. Where the new location will be is unknown. They appear to have been major supporters of the International Photography Museum which recently moved into the St. Louis area to a permanent home. Still sad to see them go.

NikonUser19

Other than the tax savings, I have not experienced any differences in price with cameras or lenses. What kills the local photography stores are: 1. individuals like us who go into the stores to check things out and then buy on-line; 2. cell phones having camera capabilities and a) cameras on phones are getting better and b) most people no longer print pictures and finally 3. the on-line stores having more variety than any local photography store. With the price of photography equipment we are all looking to save a few bucks where we can and saving on taxes is one way to do it. If the trend continues then we won't even have stores to go to to evaluate the equipment we are considering and when that happens it will again be our fault.

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

A lot of online stores don't have the stock either. They show it on their web site with an implication that it is in stock but with a sale they order it online from their suppliers, maybe even a drop ship with the online sellers invoice attached. This has been going on for 20 years.
This does not apply to all online sellers of course and I guess some like B&H probably do have it in stock but maybe this is why some customers don't get quite the prompt delivery they were expecting.

robertcbyrd Loc: 28754

We don’t have a decent store in Asheville, NC. Not sure about Johnson City, TN.

robertcbyrd Loc: 28754

We don’t have a decent store in Asheville, NC. Not sure about Johnson City, TN.

Imagemine Loc: St. Louis USA

I agree this is a blow, I live in the area and have traded with them many times they will be missed by me and others. Online shopping for gear is getting to be more mainstream

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

Same for me. I live in Dickinson, TX which is about an hour away. There was a brick and mortar store in Webster, TX which closed about six months ago. Nothing else I have found any closer.

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

I live about 45 minutes from Houston Camera exchange, but i can only get there when my wife drives us. There was one about 15 minutes away, but they closed about six months ago. I look at items at Best Buy, but rarely buy from them as the clerks know very little. I don't look and touch and feel, then go buy from the cheapest. Sometimes it is just to see what they have. Their supplies are pretty limited as well.

Too bad that life is changing like this.

74images Loc: Los Angeles, California

But Lost Bel Air Camera in the Westwood Village S/O the UCLA Campus here in L.A. After New Years 2014 or 15, they Were Nearly in Business for 60 (or 1957), & Just Pulled the Plug Into the New Year, & they were in Business 19 Years Before Samy's Camera Started Business in L.A. in 1976, it was Family Run, Doing Good & then BAM!!! Out of Business!

74images

74images Loc: Los Angeles, California

I Missed that One, I See the Ad's in the Thursdays L.A. Times on Samy's Deals of the Week, I'm Stunned they Closed Out the Santa Barbara Store!

74images

74images Loc: Los Angeles, California

Wal-Mart has Shut Down Stores Around the Country Claiming Low Performing Stores & Sales, My Ass!!!

74images

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

For me it is the opposite. I will look around on line and then visit a local store in New York City. Here is an excellent example. I "needed" a new tripod. I visited the Internet. Now I have three choices narrowed down. I print them out from my computer. After work, I grab a bus crosstown. (Parking is horrible). A greeter holds open the door and I tell her what I need. She gives me concise directions. I check out the section. A young man sees me and introduces himself to me. We chat and he shows me a tripod. It's okay. Then a few questions later he picks one from a great selection. He demonstrates it for me. I choose the item. It was on my list to buy. He rings it up. I pick up a few customer candies from a glass dish. Now since I'm in the store and waiting, I'll look around. There is a new lens that I heard about. I ask another clerk if I could "try it on for size." No problem and he mounts it on my camera. I tell him upfront I can't afford the hefty price tag and he tells me it will go on sale 10% off next week. I like the lens but tell him "I'm just looking." He is okay with that. Not very pushy I will say to myself. I pick up some more candies from a glass dish. I check out a hot shoe bracket that holds a flash and microphone. I add it to my tripod. I pick up some more candies. I pick up a pair of memory cards that are on sale. I pick up a little stuffed Camera Creature prop that fits over my lens for child photos. I pick up some more candies. I walk over to the camera bags section. I'm greeted but I'm just looking around. Then they have a tiny flash light that will fit on my zipper pull. I add that to my purchases and am ready to check out. The cashier asks me if I need anything else. I will joke with her and ask for the section that has "shoeboxes with fifties." We laugh. She rings me up all my selections. Then I stand there amazed at a unique conveyer system overhead. Everything is bagged up. I proceed to leave the store. Before I pass the exit door, I'm at a counter and show my receipt. I am given a choice of a baseball cap, a knitted hat, a cloth bag or a rain poncho that advertises their name. This time o asked for a free baseball cap. Did I buy a few items more than the tripod I intended? Yes, those impulse purchases I make all the time, and my wife doesn't know about until I get home. Then she shrugs her shoulders and rolls her eyes. A day or so later I'll be asked to answer a survey and give a customer review. No problem for me since I can share my experiences both good and any if bad. I'll munch some more candies and give my wife a few. This store definitely sails above the rest. It is always a worthwhile experience and one that I'll look forward to again and again. Just don't tell my wife. I'll bring her a few candies on my next trip. I have been in the store so many times, I should work there. They don't hire children with little experience. They hire qualified salespeople. They know what they are talking about and will sell you what you need. They don't work by commission and won't sell you something that they want you to buy. This is their trademark.
A store like this recognizes me as an individual rather than one of the masses. They offer that brick and mortar feel that you find in a mom and pop store. They are personable, seem caring and are considerate. I don't mind traveling 20 or so miles from my home. I anticipate being treated well, as if I'm the only customer that they will meet today. This is the hallmark of a good retailer.
If you are coming to New York City, look me up and I will tell you the address and to be amazed. You will!

Happy Shooting!

Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC

And tire shops for our electric cars.