Much has been said of the demise of camera stores in recent years. Most private stores are gone and now even the big chains are downsizing. The Ritz store in Saratoga Springs is closing up. While some have had issues with some Ritz stores, this was a good one with employees who are photographers and know their stuff. Now, anyone in the Glens Falls-Saratoga area will have to drive anywhere from 40 to 60 miles to get to a camera store or else buy from a dept. store or electronics store. They told the employees that the mall wanted them out because a clothing store needs their space but thats unlikely as several other stores in the mall are also closing. The inconvienence isn't just camera shopping. Try going to Walmart for a lost lens cap, or to get a filter or spare battery. The drugstore probably won't make you a 16x20 print while you wait. The kids taking photo classes in the 2 local colleges won't have a local outlet for photo paper and darkroom supplies. It just plain SUCKS! |