A sea of red and yellow sale signs have recently filled a San Lorenzo camera store this past weekend after its parent company announced it has filed for bankruptcy.
, located at 16020 Hesperian Blvd., announced on Friday that as part of Ritz Camera & Image's restructuring of its 265 stores, it will be one of 128 that will be closing after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It came out of its first bankruptcy less than three years ago.
According to an article in the Wasington Post, the change comes as "brick-and-mortar consumer electronics stores face increasing competition from online rivals" and more people are using cellphones to take pictures rather than purchasing cameras.
San Lorenzo's Wolf Camera has been open since 1998, after it — then called Denevi Camera and Video — moved from its location across the street next to . Denevi's was around since the 1950s, according to manager Matt Todd.
The future for the five employees at San Lorenzo's Wolf Camera, along with half of the 2,000 workers nationwide, remain uncertain.
"We're sad to go, but we have no choice," Todd said.
Cameras, accessories and other photo services are all currently marked at 10 percent off, but Todd says the discount will likely increase in the coming weeks.
Customers will be able to still shop at the . Todd said folks can take advantage of coupons received from their imaging orders at this store. Those who don't want to make the trek over to Dublin can still shop online at RitzCamera.com or use their frequent photo card or network card on the company's photo imaging and services site, ritzpix.com.
Todd said the store is expected to officially close its doors by the end of July, unless it sells all of its merchandise before then.
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