Originally posted by beachgardener and no jobs for anyone
Anyone?
I think there are a lot more than just camera sales and cashier positions available. Those are largely minimal experience, minimal pay jobs and there will always be smaller amounts of cashier and customer service people around, even if the majority of front facing brick and mortar jobs become automated. The local Walmart just hired even more people recently, despite a remodeling of the store that included
twice as many self checkouts. There are customer service folk that watch the self checkouts and helps customers and there are still cashiers for those that want them. Plus
a lot of stocking and inventory folk. Also, they have adapted to offer online ordering that is ready when you arrive in the parking lot. So some of those people shifted to readying those orders and loading cars.
It isn't as if all sales positions are disappearing... and smaller business (think restaurants and niche specialty) will always have on hand cashiers and customer servicey type positions even if chain fast food, department, and electronic stores were to fully automate sales. It's not so glum.
Photography stores are in an awkward position since sales peaked around 2010 or 2011 for DSLRs (back when everyoneee needed one to take 'nice' pictures of their kids), back to an enthusiast and commercial photographer catering business. Demand has waned back to the roots right around the time online stores were really hitting their stride.
This is different from say.. the local Meat Market/Butcher.. that still seemingly thrives today despite the giant Kroger (grocery store) across the street and the Walmart less than a mile down the same road. You're not likely to order a lot of meat online (unless they are fancy steaks)
but a camera can be an ideal product to be sold online... plenty of reviews, information, sample photos, 2 day shipping, and liberal return policies to ensure you make a right choice.