On the heels of the closing of all Circuit City stores early in 2009, Ritz Camera has announced it will close just under half of its stores nationwide, liquidating the inventory at those stores.
Of the approximately 700 Ritz Camera stores in the United States, about 300 will close. Some of the affected stores include Wolf Camera stores and Kits Camera stores. With the liquidation sales just beginning in early April, consumers might not find a lot of bargains now, but, as with the Circuit City liquidation, discounts will grow during the next few weeks. You can download a complete list of the affected stores at this link. Ritz Camera's Web site remains active.
All of the recent economic news around digital camera sales isn't bad, though.
Australian online retailer DigiDirect Australia, which specializes in digital cameras, recently announced record sales in the first quarter of 2009. Hopefully we'll see some of those positive sales numbers among U.S. camera retailers soon, too.
Comments
Good I’m glad they are shutting down and I’m not surprised. The worse customer service I ever received. Sold me a camera and lens after I paid and got camera home. No lens. I went back and was told I would have to pay another $60. for a lens. Even though I already paid. Associate (Jay) was rude and got no help from the stores corporate office. This company sucks and is a huge rip off. Check out equipment BEFORE you leave the store!! Tacoma Washington
Ritz did the best film development. Wish they’d publish a list of which stores are OPEN.
Their website is a mess. Closed stores still listed, phone number hangs up on you– looks like they may be headed to full closings.