Business columnist lauds Illinois camera stores as successful competitors

GaryPageau , ,

Business columnist Jim Kendall recently featured two camera stores in an article about independent retailers competing with large-scale and online retailers. In the feature article, “How the little guys beat the big guys,” Kendall tells the story of LaGrange Camera Inc. and PJ’s Camera & Photo Supply in Glen Ellyn, Ill.

“They’re scattered around the suburbs, a relative handful of independent camera stores that successfully compete against web giants and big box retailers typically offering a lower price, free shipping and, sometimes, no sales tax,” writes Kendall. “It’s what those competitors often don’t offer — personal service — that can make the difference. In that context, LaGrange Camera Inc. and PJ’s Camera & Photo Supply in Glen Ellyn serve nicely as stand-ins for nearly every small business doing battle with the big guys.”

The key to the longevity of both businesses – each with four decades of service – is hands-on service, keeping up with trends and local attention. Both companies also stressed the importance of preserving memories and printing photos.

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Gary Pageau is principal of InfoCircle LLC, continuing his marketing communications career. InfoCircle LLC is a marketing and communications consulting firm, specializing in business-to-business markets. For nearly 25 years, he was with PMA International, serving most recently as Publisher, Content Development and Strategic Initiatives. His primary responsibilities included overseeing the Association’s editorial department, marketing research unit, education and corporate relations department.