New Samy store in Orange County CA

The one in Fairfax is so far for us in OC.
The new store will have a grand opening in late October or early November

Where is it going to be? Hopefully replacing that lame Calumet place off the 55.

Scott

Scott,
I know what you mean. I have been buying all my gears online only. The local stores are really lame. Samy is still not as big as B&H but it probably is the biggest store in the west coast.

Here is the new store address:
3309 Bristol Parkway
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Phone: (714)557-9400

I can't wait for its grand opening, it seems like I always shopping for something

Ken

A new Samy's is great news. I'm still stuck with the Fairfax store, though. But maybe I'll come to the new store just for fun one day on the way to San Diego or something.

(Boy do I long for the old Samy's, pre-'94 riots!)

Why? what are the changes since 94 riots?

Well, prior to the riots, Samy’s was only one of several L.A. area full-line dealers that catered to pro photographers (as well as advanced amateurs and hobbyists). There was Olympic Camera and Henry’s Camera both downtown, Mel Pierce in Hollywood, and Franks Highland Park Camera to name a few. There were many, many more. Competition truly made for a more enjoyable buyers experience. In short, they were not so, shall we say… well, you know.

The riots were a key event in the history of Samy’s because looters mercilessly hit them. I remember watching the live news at home as it was happening – the news choppers were broadcasting live over Samy’s showing the looters who’d set the place on fire and were casually walking out of the store with their arms LOADED with merchandise. After the first news telecast, even more looters came out. The word quickly spread that Samy’s was ripe for the picking. Looters came from all over with Samy’s clearly in their sights. The first wave was bad, but the second wave was an absolute monster. Looters actually planned their attack. Some covered the license plates of their cars to avoid identity; others parked on adjacent side streets that hey could take circuitous routes through alleys back to the car for a clean getaway. Surveillance cameras aimed at the rear door entrance were destroyed with pipes and bats. I don’t think many expected them to rebound from that since a great many businesses were lost during those riots.

A correction... I was thinking of the time of the Northridge Earthquake which occured in 1994. The L.A. Riots were actually in April of 1992.

Yes, I remember about that riot - April 29, 1992 after the Rodney King verdict.
I remember watching the looters carried stuffs from the stores, but not aware Samy's was one of them.
Thanks for the story.

Just as an FYI...I saw an ad on TV aboout Samys having a no tax sale again this week. Its a good deal, because you get a decent price, no tax and no shipping for us locals.


Scott

Hey Scott:
Thanks for the 'heads up.' I'm picking up a 24-70 f/2.8 L at their Pasadena store tomorrow. No sales tax, no shipping charges, and a great price, too.

I owe you!

Thanks again.

Tom

No prob Tom. I'm sitting here trying to figure out if Christmas is gonna come early this year or not......

Scott

Yeah, you can definitely see a big savings on big ticket items not having to pay any tax. You'd saveover $600 on a new 1Ds. They do the same thing for President's Day weekend, and I believe, Memorial Day weekend.