After 40 Years, Photo World Says So-Long

owner Barry Schrutt , but his celebration soon came to an end when he was faced with the difficult decision to or close up shop for good.

"I was physically getting ill and not sleeping because I just didn't know what to do. I was in total agony," Schrutt said, admitting that in the last 10 years he has seen a steady decline in business and was forced to pour his own money into Photo World to keep it running. "Deciding to close was the hardest decision I've ever had to make. Actually, telling my employee who I know relies on this job, was even harder."

Schrutt says that there was once a time when he would come into work on a Monday and have dozens of rolls of film waiting to be developed. But the golden era of his photography business quickly faded with the impact of big box stores, instant prints from chain stores and online ordering.

"If I come in on Monday and there are two rolls of film to be developed now, it means it was a good day," Schrutt says. "But when I can't pay my employees, it means is time to go and take it for what it is."

While Schrutt says he is still not completely content with his decision, he knows he made the right one.

"I couldn't keep hoping and praying that things were going to turn around, that's just not the reality of it anymore," he said. "So I will walk out proud of what we've done. I started with nothing 40 years ago, and now, at least I'll be walking away debt free and be proud of our work."

Schrutt's biggest concern moving forward is finding a job for himself and his employee, Karen Blazano. Scrutt says he will continue to offer his video transferring services from home but will have to pick up a part-time job to make ends meet. Balzano, who has a child currently enrolled in college, is currently seeking full time employment.

"I don't feel much better now that I've decided to close because I still don't know what I'm going to do," Schrutt said. "It's not all about the money, but I've accepted the fact that things were not going to get better. So I'm looking ahead and hopefully as the saying goes, one door closes and another door opens."

Photo World will remain open until the end of May. Schrutt is also offering discounts on all items and is selling developing equipment in an effort to clear out the store inventory.