WILMINGTON—For 17 years, Southeastern Camera has supplied photographers with the gear and expertise needed to get the perfect shot. This will be the store’s last week.
Southeastern Camera’s longtime manager, Gary Allen, announced the move to close the store in a Facebook post.
“Southeastern Camera Wilmington is now just a memory folks,” Allen wrote.
Though Allen said the sudden decision from Southeastern Camera’s owner came as a shock, he knew the decline of the area’s only camera-specific business was inevitable.
“Unfortunately we lose a lot of people to Best Buy and Amazon in this day and age and it’s not like you can blame people for that,” Allen said. “There’s a reason there’s not a lot of small businesses left.”
For months, a Cape Fear Commercial “for sale” sign was posted in front of the Kerr Avenue business. On Saturday, unbeknownst to the store’s staff, a moving truck arrived to take all valuable equipment. Up until that point, Allen said, the store’s staff had believed the store would continue operating under new ownership.
“We haven’t been able to make enough money to run a profitable business,” Allen said. “If you’re just breaking even or something, is it really worth the hassle?”
“I think that we’re sort of losing touch with that personal level,” — Gary Allen.
Inventory has been moved to Southeastern Camera’s sister story in Raleigh. According to Allen, there are no plans to reopen a Southeastern Camera in Wilmington.
“I feel sad for the community that we’re losing our last little camera store,” he said. “There used to be three to four camera stores in Wilmington not too long ago.”
After years of competing with online retailers that can operate without a sales tax, Allen said customers have gravitated towards the slightly cheaper, digital experience.
“I think that we’re sort of losing touch with that personal level,” he said.
Student discount program
Southeastern Camera has been in partnership with photography programs at the University North Carolina Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College and area high schools for years.
Students were offered large discounts to learn the basics of a bygone craft. They could pick up film, printing paper, and analog camera supplies to use in academic darkrooms.
It’s unclear how those programs will adjust to the unexpected closure.
Courtney Johnson, an associate UNCW studio art professor, says her department can already feel the store’s absence after just 24 hours.
“My students and I are disappointed to see Southeastern Camera leave Wilmington,” Johnson wrote in an email. “We’ve enjoyed the convenience of access to knowledgeable staff and a wide selection of analog and digital photography supplies and equipment.”
East Coast Film Lab, located on Wrightsville Avenue just across the street from Southeastern Camera, has plans to ease the transition for students and local photographers.
East Coast Film Lab
Now, East Coast Film Lab will become both developer and supplier.
Billy Parr and Chad Kiser, owners of East Coast Film Lab, worked with Southeastern Camera for years. Loyal patrons of Southeastern Camera would turn in exposed film to be developed by Kiser.
“We are hoping to pick up the slack and not leave customers hanging,” Kiser said.
Since learning of Southeastern Camera’s closure, East Coast Film has already placed orders to begin carrying film supplies, though in the past it has not maintained a large inventory.
“We are working as fast as possible to start carrying some of the key items, especially for students and for the average customer,” Kiser said. “Hopefully we can meet the need.”
Some items are still available for sale at Southeastern Camera as the store’s staff packs up shop. Allen says the store will post a list of available items left on its Facebook page Tuesday morning.
Johanna Ferebee can be reached at johanna@localvoicemedia.com or @j__ferebee on Twitter
