Montreal’s Photo Service to close after 89 years

After nearly 90 years, a Montreal photo retailer is shutting its doors. Photo Service, located on Notre-Dame Street West in Old Montreal, announced Monday it will permanently close on Jan. 3, 2026, citing economic challenges. The company announced the closure on a Facebook post (reproduced below). Company president Jean-Charles Savard said the decision came after careful consideration, noting that changes in the downtown core — including bike lanes and parking restrictions — have made access more difficult as well as the lack of official recognition from Sony Canada as a retailer, which limited its position in a rapidly changing market.

While the store and rental services will shut down, Photo Service’s photo lab and archiving operations will continue in partnership with Kant Photo, with more details expected early next year, according to CTVNews. The business is now holding clearance sales on all items and rentals.

According to the Montreal Gazette, Savard’s grandparents, Joseph-Henry Savard and Simonne Desautels, bought Studio Rivoli, a black-and-white photo lab on St-Denis St., on Jan. 30, 1937, before changing the name and moving to the current address on Notre-Dame St. W. in 1945. After her husband’s death in 1961, Desautels took full charge of the shop, which employed approximately 100 people in its retail, repair, lab, and photography school services, with help from her three children.

Photo Service Facebook post

It is with emotion that we announce the end of an important chapter in our lives: after 89 years of existence, Photo Service at 222 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, will close its doors on January 3, 2026, due to economic difficulties.

This difficult decision is the result of deep thought. Despite all our efforts to adapt, our business model has weakened over the years. The transformations of the city center (urban planning, parking, etc) have gradually reduced accessibility, AND despite all our efforts, our lack of official recognition by Sony Canada as a retailer has also limited our position in a changing market.

So, even though the store and rental service will cease permanently, our photo lab and archiving services will continue their mission in the premises of Kant Photo, in close collaboration with their team. Details on this new alliance will be announced in early 2026.

From now on, all items for sale and rental are discounted and liquidated. More details to follow in the next few days. In the meantime, stay tuned or communicate with us to find out about our prices in store or signify your interest in one of the rental item(s)!

What more can we say, if not we have shared with you incredible moments, common passions and sincere bonds of friendship.

The entire Savard family and the Photo Service team thanks you deeply for your loyalty, support and humanity. Continue to honor the memory, creativity and passion that have always brought us together… May we inspire you, to write your own story, being fully yourself, with boldness, confidence and gratitude.