Camera Shops- Going Down Hill?

[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