Camera Shops- Going Down Hill?

[F8&Bthere]

Has anyone else noticed that the local brick & mortar Camera and Photo Equipment retailers are going down hill fast? I can only comment on a couple in the city nearest to me and they are generally poorly stocked, not very inviting, not very competitive (not just price- I know it's not really fair to compare to internet pricing- but on other things like return policies and such), and staffed by snobby, indifferent sales-zombies.

If you want something, they don't have it, but they can special order it in for you and you might wait a week or two, maybe more, have to pre-pay, and if you don't like it or get a bad copy you can only exchange- no refund. And if you need a repair or calibration we don't do that, you have to send it in for service. So what's my motivation for choosing you again over the plethora of on line retailers doing mail order with better pricing?

I really tried to support the local guys- I did. I ignored the pricing and just kept thinking- remember they have more overhead, forget about eBay. But I just can't take it any more- leaving work early, rushing into the city, fighting traffic to get there before 5:30 or whenever it is they close just to realize I'm nobody to them and my business is not really appreciated...

Sorry about the long post, but is the internet killing traditional retail stores or are they just killing them selves?

[kiley9806]

i'd say they are a little of both, but ultimately they are killing themselves. store owners are in charge of who they hire to be their 'face', and sounds like the people you interact with are pulling the store down around them...
of course the internet is an easy, cheap, and fast way to go, but theres nothing compared to chatting with the old guy behind the desk who has 45 years of shutter clicking in his past. but i have a total opposite feeling about my local photo stores. i live in rural alberta, but have 2 watsons foto sources in hour in either direction from my town. everytime i go, i get incredibly helpful staff, very knowledgeable and friendly, seemingly like-minded photography enthusiasts...

[casil403]

Here in Calgary, we have a great local retailer..."The Camera Store". I go there all the time and they have tons of unpretentious helpful staff who have never made a newbie like me feel stupid and unknowlegeable.

I don't know what part of AB you are in F8 or if you have indeed been there and had a bad experience, but they are pretty good and they do have the fairest prices in town. I've compared them to box stores and pretty much almost all the time they have lower prices, the best selection and lots of inventory. They are a busy place also so that gives me an indication that they have it right!
Here's the website:
http://www.thecamerastore.com/

[Marko]

It's a changing economy...VERY difficult for many stores to keep pace with online retailers that have very little to pay in the way of rent, heating, employees etc. Plus there are a few giant online retailers that have better pricing than most regular stores...

[jjeling]

Yes I have noticed the same. We really only have one brick and mortar place here in town and I know them quite well. The owner was one of my instructors in college and Im good friends with the staff. I went in the other day and they told me the unfortunate inside information that they were closing in May. Even though they are the only 'professional' retailer in town, they still can't compete with the internet. The staff is great and I couldn't say more about their service. It is a realization that many stores around the world are facing. The upside to it is Ill be getting some good deals once they start the sales. Can't wait for that, but its for the wrong reason. I truly believe one day this will change, and the stores will return once these companies realize that small business and not big business makes the world go round. I would like to open my own store eventually once the economy turns around. Hopefully I can capitalize on the lack of supply the city has in the turnaround. Maybe, maybe not. Its only a thought right now and nothing serious.

[EJC]

Robinson s Camera in the Inglewood part of Calgary gives knowledgeable friendly service too. I think their prices are on par with the Camera Store though they have less selection as the store is smaller.They are also in a very photogenic neighbourhood

cheers
EJC

[F8&Bthere]

I am south of Calgary and I've heard good things about both The Camera Store and Robinsons, just when I go into Calgary I prefer to stay as far south as possible- not to venture as far as Downtown or Inglewood. In fact I'm even challenged at times just to make it to the South Vistek store before it closes.

Like I said, I really tried to find some reason to make a couple south stores my regular stop, even if it cost me more money, but I've just been so disappointed for many reasons. So for now, I'm going to continue buying most of my small to medium dollar items on line, mostly eBay, from the comfort of my home, and have it delivered right to my mailbox. And the occasional biggy, like a lens over $500, where I might be more concerned about a bad copy or potential warranty issues- I'll go mostly to London Drugs where I know they will price match to some degree, and accept returns.

[JAS_Photo]

If you know what you want, then London Drugs is a good place to shop because they will replace anything that does not work properly right away. They often have a good price on Nikon or Canon cameras and accessories. Sometimes I want better quality though, things like a B&W filter, so I go to a proper camera store. "The Camera Store' is very good but they are incredibly busy. Saneal Cameras downtown is very good, too. They are tiny but they are knowledgeable and will discuss gear with you. The large internet, eBay stores like Adorama or Cameta are excellent too but you need to know what you want before you shop.

Ok, ok now cameras have a big gadget component to them and many people love to collect and use old cameras so here we go:

Warning this link is very dangerous for gadget lovers. Do not click if you can not resist temptation. (http://www.vintagevisuals.com/)

[EJC]

Too right Raiven it could be a danger zone. I've surfed thier site a few times. Have you been to their place to see any of their product?

EJC

[F8&Bthere]

Thanks for the link Raiven, I almost forgot about that place!

[mindforge]

In under a decade, the mom and pop camera store will be gone probably. The only ones that will survive will incorporate other services like classes, studio rental, knowledgeable staff and create a social environment.

My local camera shot "Mike's Camera's" is pretty crappy. I go and buy accessories and filters there. I use them to send my Nikon warranty stuff. Other than that, I walk in and all but one worker is a camera elitist. You know the people that think they take better pictures and no one in the world knows more than they do. They actually take pretty crappy pictures, except for one of them and they basically scoff at anyone that doesn't have a Nikon or Canon. I have seen them literally laugh at a customer out of the store that was looking for Sony gear.

I know Mike's Camera does well because it is the only camera store within 45 minutes and does have plenty of gear and offers a variety of stuff like astronomy telescopes, rental gear, all the cool accessory buys like lens babies.

[F8&Bthere]

...I walk in and all but one worker is a camera elitist. You know the people that think they take better pictures and no one in the world knows more than they do. They actually take pretty crappy pictures, except for one of them and they basically scoff at anyone that doesn't have a Nikon or Canon...

That's exactly what I mean- and through forums and such I hear this same type of thing from all over- snobby elitist staffers. I walked into the south Calgary Vistek a while back and there wasn't a single customer in the store. There were 2 staff members and one manager on duty- all at their computers, doing what? Like what could all 3 of them possibly have to do other than serve the only customer in the store? I know, could have been inventory or something right? No, I've been there several times and it's always like this. They barely even lift their heads to make eye contact. It's like they smell an amateur from a mile away. I stood there looking at photo backpacks for about 10 - 15 minutes, I even tried to glance over at them from time to time looking like I could use some help. Finally I had to go right up to the counter and ask one of the zombies for his help. My god, it was as if I was interrupting him. The guy had no expression at all, I was getting ready to poke him with a display monopod to see if he was even alive. He was so obviously uninterested that it was uncomfortable.

[casil403]

You might want to consider writing them a letter/calling customer service to let them know what you think (always good to write something good about them in your letter as well as the bad...gets their attention more I think) and...cc one to the store and one to the head office.
I believe that stores should know when they are going to lose my business and why (especially in these economic times)....if they really care, they will make it right and respond to you. And if not, then at least you know you tried and can take your business elsewhere.

I had a horrible shipping experience w/ a very large clothing company 2 weeks ago and I phoned customer service. They apologized, wrote me an email and took the shipping charge off my bill. They made it right and still have my business.

[fangelico]

My opinion is that brick & morters can be competitive if operated correctly... take a look at B&H Photo - right here in the heart of NYC. They have a top notch store operation - always asking for feedback from anyone who buys there. Every sales person has photography experience and there are plenty of people around to help - no matter how crowded... They also run a very sucessful web site - which is a must for any retailer... I am even willing to pay more for that kind of service... other stores owners should spend just one day there for training...