Not to come off as a total b*tch here, but this is a two-way street. I would give far more business to the indie shops if they would be just a wee bit competitive with film prices. Even if they were CLOSE to the prices charged by Target' and the other department and discount stores, but they are typically much higher for the most common film you can get anywhere, and I daresay that most of my photo purchases are film. If they were in the same ballpark, yes, I would take my business there to support them, but they tend to be steep. The one local indie shop (Rockbrook) just opened up a third location a while back, so they must be at least holding their own.
Same way with Central Camera in Chicago. I finally got there a few weeks ago after passing the place for years. Their over-the-counter film prices are somewhere between sky-high and obscene! They did seem to be doing a good business, so I guess they are holding their own too. I would surely give these places more of my business if they would be just a bit competitive.
Sorry for breaking up the party with the rant!
