Lafayette business closes after 64 years

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Since 1948 workers at Berry's Camera Shop have made sales and bagged the latest innovations from the camera business. Now, 64 years later owners are closing the store, and the popular green awning at the corner to Third and Ferry Streets is coming down.

"This is where I go," Berry's Camera Shop Customer Annette Lamb said. "I like the mom and pop shops because they help the community, but you also get that one on one interaction with [the workers]."

"It's been very sad," Co-owner of Berry's Camera Shop Dawn Ross said. "It's been very emotional because we've had numerous customers call and come in and wish us well."

Ross and her brother Dan Williams bought the shop from their father, Bob Williams, in 1997. Family friend Herman Berry opened it in 1948. Bob bought it from Berry in 1972, our sister station WLFI reports.

Although the shop has survived all other local camera shops, two natural disaster in Asia hurt product flow in 2011. Ross said internet sales is what have really hurt the company.

"In Indiana Amazon facilities have two more years of selling without sales tax," Ross said. "Electronic items are small, and will ship. That is a seven percent savings off the top."

Customers are now figuring out what is next for them.

"There are very few camera shops that are still open," Lamb said. "[Berry's Camera Shop] will be very missed."

The last day of business is December 15. Ross said she will miss being a part of the community. However, she hopes other local businesses can continue to line the streets of downtown.

"I've always tried to support local businesses," Ross said. "I will continue to do that, and continue to recommend people do that. You're going to lose your community feel when the businesses disappear."