Wolf Camera Closing Novato Store

Discount signs have gone up in the windows of the Novato  store on Grant Avenue after its parent company announced it has filed for bankruptcy.

The parent company, Ritz Camera & Image announced restructuring of its 265 stores on Friday.  Novato Wolf Camera will be one of 128 that will be closing after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It came out of its first bankruptcy less than three years ago.

According to an article in the Wasington Post, the change comes as "brick-and-mortar consumer electronics stores face increasing competition from online rivals" and more people are using cellphones to take pictures rather than purchasing cameras.

Store manager Kelly Banfield said that she expects the Novato store to be closed within four to six weeks but that the Mill Valley location will remain open.

Banfield has been the manager at the Novato store for 12 years. "I have a lot of great customers that we're going to miss."

The future for the five employees at Novato's Wolf Camera, along with half of the 2,000 workers nationwide, remain uncertain.

Cameras, accessories and other photo services are all currently marked at 10 percent off, according to signage in the windows.