Camera Shops- Going Down Hill?

[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...