The

Changing Picture At Ritz

By Kaaren Valenta

The Ritz Camera store in Ricky’s Plaza has taken on a new look. Business has been so good that the store has been “promoted” within the national chain, and now has doubled its stock and offers three times as many cameras.

 “Previously, when a customer was interested in looking at a particular camera model, I might have to say ‘I can get that.’ Now I have it,” store manager Kris Steward said.

Kris Stewart has been with the store since 1989, when The Camera Shop took over what had been Sturdevant’s Photography. Five years ago The Camera Shop became part of the Ritz Camera chain. In 1994 the store added a one-hour developing center, and more changes are in the works.

“We are doing bordered prints now,” Ms Stewart said. “It’s kind of an old-fashioned, new fashion. Borders frame the picture and make every one special – like every one was meant to be.”

Prices also have dropped, as much as 50 percent, on developing. A 24-photo roll of single prints, previously $12.99 to develop and print, is now $8.99. Each roll comes with a coupon for a free enlargement. Prices have dropped $1 on CDs and also on quick big prints. “We can do up to 5 by 7 enlargements in-house, and other sizes within a day or two,” Kris Stewart said.

Customers also can get CDs and floppy disks from rolls of film; prints from digital cameras; and can have their negatives stored on the Internet for varying periods of time. “If they give the pass code to friends and relatives, they can check out the photos right on the Internet,” Ms Stewart explained. “They can also download them, or order prints.”

Customers who have put their old home movies on videotape now can have them put on DVD. “Video tape deteriorates after a period of time, maybe 10 to 12 years, so this is the new technology for preserving movies,” she said.

The store has significantly increased its stock of frames, albums, camera and gadget bags, and accessories. Telescopes are now available as well as a whole range of digital cameras and equipment.

“We have a knowledgeable staff to answer questions, too,” Ms Stewart said. The staff includes Adam Bagger, Bill Beardsley, and Christopher Stites.

“We’ve been busy adding all the new stock. I hope to get some new showcases soon. At that point, I may have to hire a moving crew to help,” the store manager said.

Ritz Camera also specializes in repairs, a plus for customers who have signed up for extended warranty service/damage protection plans. “These plans are available on any products over $30 and they are great,” Ms Stewart said. “Even if people are really careful with camera equipment, accidents can happen. If you have a plan, you can take your camera to the beach or a playground without worrying.”

The store has a kiosk where Sprint PCS phones, service, and accessories are sold.

“There is so much here now, it’s like we added a whole new store,” Ms Stewart said. “We’re very excited about all the changes.”

Ritz Camera is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday; and 9:30 to 5 am, on Saturdays. Call 426-6013 for more information.