Originally posted by monochrome Believe it or not, this story is absolutely true. In St. Louis we actually have a successful B&M Camera Chain - Creve Couer Camera. 9 stores. Been in business since the 60's. Built their business on the Spotmatic.
THEY STILL CARRY, AND THEY STILL FEATURE PENTAX!!!
Last night I actually saw a Co-Op TELEVISION COMMERCIAL (30 second spot in the local slot right after the Network News) for the Pentax K-x!! featured at Creve Couer Camera.
Maybe all it takes in a local store owner (maybe a local Co-Op of single stores?) willing to take a business risk.
This is the real deal - we see Pentax commercials (and hear them on the radio) every year during the holiday season and from time to time throughout the year.
Originally posted by Peter Zack Paul, there you go. All Pentax has to do is target some key markets as a test. Partner with a few stores, produce good TV ads like the one above and see if it has an impact on sales. If it does, then roll it out across the country. If not, I'll shut up.
Unfortunately the converse is true at our major camera store chain (5 stores) here in AR. Bedfords was very willing to give shelf space to Pentax just 1-2 years ago and had a healthy business selling both bodies and lenses. My website images were used as a referral to help sell the Pentax system.
Due to the loss of the sales reps with the restructuring last year, that spelled change at Bedfords. They will not be restocking nor buying new products, which in many of the staffers eyes is a shame. There is perhaps one K20D, several battery grips and a flash or two, plus some lenses: DA 16-45, 20-200, DA* 16-50 are about it. Shame...
Regards,
Marc