Breaking News: A fond farewell to old friends

I am so sad to learn that one of my favorite local photography stores is closing! The Wolf Camera store at 1802 S Havana St., in Aurora is shutting down. The email just came across my email today from David Ritz:

"Over the past few months, most of us have become painfully aware that that the U.S. economy has tumbled into very turbulent times. At the same time, Ritz Camera has invested millions of dollars in many of our stores to bring you the latest in digital imaging over the web. As an unfortunate consequence of these economic difficulties, the store you have ordered from has closed.

Please use our Location Selector to find another store conveniently located in your area of work, shopping, or home.

If your search returns no stores in your area, we encourage you to try our mail order service. Get the same great quality, delivered right to your door!

We would like to take a moment to express our thanks for your continued patronage, and as a special "Thank You!" we would like to offer the opportunity to receive 30% off the combined total of your next order. Simply enter the promo code THANKYOU30 at check out and hit "apply" to receive your discount. Treat yourself or a loved one to something special, without putting a dent in your wallet, at your NEW location!

THIS IS A ONE TIME OFFER FOR OUR SPECIAL RITZPIX.COM CUSTOMERS
This offer may not be combined with any other promotion currently advertised.

This offer is valid on all of the hundreds of items available on Ritzpix.com, including:

Prints & Enlargements
Custom Photo Books
Picture Perfect Photo Greeting Cards
Calendars
Personalized Photo Gifts
So much more!

We thank you for your continued use of Ritzpix.com to fulfill your printing and image product needs, and look forward to continuing our relationship in the months and years to come."

The staff at the Aurora store have been instrumental parts of my journey to become a freelance portrait photographer. Several of my first classes were taken with Terry who was always quick to help me with advice on equipment or business strategies whenever I walked into the store. And if you remember, Jeff Lawson answered a Q&A about aspect ratios that helped me understand printing. I will always appreciate both of your time and willingness to help a newbie like me out. I also wanted to wish all the staff there the best of luck, and I hope to be seeing you at another Wolf in the metro area. I will miss the convenience of the Aurora store, which was closer to my home.