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Photo Studios Close in Sears, Wal-mart Stores

1,457 views · Published 9 April 2013 · 3:21 · Indexed 28 October 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2013 · News & Politics

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by Mikaya Thurmond , @MikayaNC9 Over 800 portrait studios inside Sears and some Wal-mart locations shut down abruptly. For generations, families have gathered in their best, matching outfits to create relatively inexpensive heirlooms. But now, some people say style has changed and they no longer want cheesy back drops and stiff poses.Former customer, Angie Rhodes, says back then you didn't have a lot of the personal photographers that you do now. I used to take them to JC Penny in Virginia to get their pictures made, but nobody does that anymore.We caught up with Rhodes at her daughter's photo session. She's using a local photographer, who says she's happy to see the competition go. Tammy Rockwell explains that it's a corporation that mass produces and as a small business we can't do that. So there's no way we can compete with their prices.Rockwell owns Pure Life Photogrpahy. I'm sorry that people are losing their jobs. but at the same time when you've had customers ask you for a quote. Then they tell you I can get that for 29 dollars at Wal-mart. I'm just like I'm kind of glad, says Rockwell.Although it's good news for small businesses, some customers like the Hall Family aren't so happy. Ali Hall wrote to us after finding out she'll never be able to see some photos from her December photo session. With no money to buy the photos by the store's deadline, she says she's out of luck.In this statement, Sears explains:        After many years of providing family portrait photography, we are sad to announce that all of our U.S. portrait studios are now closed. We appreciate your patronage and allowing us to capture your precious memories. We are attempting to fulfill as many customer orders as possible. If you€™ve had a recent session, your portraits may be available at your Sears, PictureMe or Kiddie Kandids portrait studio. For assistance, please contact the customer service department at your local store.

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