Ritz camera files for bankruptcy

Shenanigans wrote in post #7387843
I thought it was interesting to see that similar to Adorama's diving supply business, Ritz has a boating & fishing supply company.

when a company deviates from its core business it's usually not a good sign...like when starbucks started selling sandwiches and CDs .

ed rader

cowboylife wrote in post #7398536
I purchased a Tamrac backpack and probably overpaid by at least $20. Outside of that, I never said anything that I would want to spend my money on. Most of their stuff was generic, off brand and still overpriced.

While shopping for my 70-200 2.8L I stopped in a whim to see if Ritz had them in stock. They only had one. It was right around $1400 when the online retailers were $1140. They only had one copy and it was obviously it had been tested in store A LOT. Fingerprints, dust, smudges and marks all over it.

No thanks.

Cowboy.
20 bucks overpriced. Compared to what?
Do you not like the bag?
Bags are a funny thing when purchasing. Inventory on hand is key. I can take my equipment and see how it fits in a different one. If I like the new product, I buy it.
There is a cost associated with this. It does cost money to keep inventory.
The store only has one 70-200 L in stock because their sales have been dropping. How do you stay in business?

Boxmannn wrote in post #7397656
Good Selection = Yes
Very Good Sales Staff = No (Asked to see a Canon lens, store manager walked away in mid-sentance and passed the buck to an associate who was lets say..ummm..less than enthusiastic to help.

Buh-bye

Boxmann.
In any business dealing with a salesman or lady, I never had a bad experience. I guess I don't give off a certain vibe.
I've been self employed in sales for over twenty years in an industry not related to photography.
I don't feel sales people are trying to rip me off.
I'm always treated with respect.
It's a shame they turned their back on you.
I have bought many Canon products at the Christiana location.
The L lens selection before Christmas was very good.
None of the sales reps there have ever treated me that way.

ed rader wrote in post #7431164
when a company deviates from its core business it's usually not a good sign...like when starbucks started selling sandwiches and CDs

ed rader

I can't drink the burnt espresso but the breakfast sandwiches are tasty, if a bit greasy.

Mmmmmm. Tasty

ed rader wrote in post #7431164
when a company deviates from its core business it's usually not a good sign...like when starbucks started selling sandwiches and CDs .

ed rader

Or Best Buy selling Motorcycles.....

http://reviews.cnet.co​m/8301-13746_7-10185922-48.html

ed rader wrote in post #7431164
when a company deviates from its core business it's usually not a good sign...like when starbucks started selling sandwiches and CDs .

ed rader

Ed, I may be wrong, but I think Boatersworld (ritz's boating company) has been around a long long time.

Nick5 wrote in post #7431143
"No local business..............​.No local economy."

There are plenty of local businesses that are doing fine. The internet isn't killing local business. Local businesses sticking their heads in the sand and pretending the internet doesn't exist, is.


The problem is, it seems to me, that I get better service from places like Amazon than I do from the local guys, and thats not how it should be. If I'm going to pay more locally, I want something back, like great service.

Nick5 wrote in post #7431261
Boxmann.
In any business dealing with a salesman or lady, I never had a bad experience. I guess I don't give off a certain vibe.
I've been self employed in sales for over twenty years in an industry not related to photography.
I don't feel sales people are trying to rip me off.
I'm always treated with respect.
It's a shame they turned their back on you.
I have bought many Canon products at the Christiana location. Does anyone remember the famous P.T. Barnum quote?
The L lens selection before Christmas was very good.
None of the sales reps there have ever treated me that way.

I bet there are alot of used car salesmen that would love to meet you.

kimnda of a loser Imho I gave the repair bussiness to my local Dodd. Ritz was always non photo folks tying to sell electronics and not optical instuments. I won't miss them.
Sam

Boxmannn wrote in post #7448217
I bet there are alot of used car salesmen that would love to meet you.

Out of curiosity, which quote was that? PT Barnum quote, I mean.....

Boxmannn wrote in post #7448217
I bet there are alot of used car salesmen that would love to meet you.

What's that saying "you can't sell a salesman" I know crap when I hear it. Besides I only buy new cars.

The Ritz Camera in my area (Jacksonville, FL), particularly the one located in the St. John's Town Center always did a good job customer service wise. I only went in to kick tires and ask questions and the sales staff were always knowledgeable, never pushy, happy and available to help. I always left wishing their prices were more competitive so I could give them my business. One thing I never left thinking though was that they needed to work on their customer experience. I am in no way affiliated with Ritz - just thought I would jump in and share what seems to be a less common experience I had with them.

Anytime a camera company closes its doors (or any company for that matter) I'm disappointed. Less companies mean less competition. I wonder why they couldn't tweak their business model to keep the doors open (eg: recognizing that better prices can be had on the internet and making the necessary adjustments to their pricing scheme and service lineup to still continue doing business).

I hope to see Ritz get things straightened out. While their prices are high (as is the local sales tax:rolleyes, I enjoy going to the main Wolf Camera store in my area. An occasional lens, or accessory purchase is done there because I enjoy looking around a camera store and they have one really knowledgeable, friendly salesman that I enjoy talking photography with.

Its a Chapter 11 reorganizing they're doing. I don't think they're shutting everything down - just the less productive stores.