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The History of Gulf Coast Camera

1990s - Before the Store

While the name came about in 2023, our history goes back to before the days of Ritz Camera (for those of you that remember that name). Rob, the owner started working in 1990 at Camera Shop Inc in Philadelphia while in college where he quickly was promoted to store manager. soon after he became a district manager and remained in that position after Camera Shop Inc was acquired by Ritz Camera. 

2000s - The Start of Small Business

After moving to Florida in 2004 to be near family, Ritz knew they couldn't lose Rob and made him the Southeastern Regional Trainer. This was a pivotal role for the future of Gulf Coast Camera because in this role, Rob met many of our current friends and business partners.

When Ritz declared bankruptcy in 2009, Rob saw the future possibilities of an independent camera store where Ritz was unable to remain flexible through the overtaking of digital cameras.
He bought the Ritz Location in Pensacola (Next to Wendy's across from Pensacola State College) changing the name to Rob's Camera. The 1st team was Rob, his wife Wendy and their lab tech Michelle.
Growing steadily, the store moved up the road to what is now TBS Comics (Belvedere Park Plaza) a year later.

2012 - The Merger

In 2012, Calagaz Photo, out of Mobile AL, was looking to expand. Rob saw this as an opportunity to bring his knowledge and passion for used camera gear to meet the half century plus legacy of the once largest independent camera store in the south east. Rob's Camera became Calagaz Photo - Pensacola and Rob because the manager and head of used gear for both Calagaz locations.

2014 - A Decade of Growth

In 2014 we needed more space and moved to our current location where the building was tailored specifically to our needs and future plans of the time. Another major turning point for the store was when Rob proposed we start doing used buying events for other stores. In 2016 we had our 1st event with a store in California. Since then we have expanded this partnership to every corner of the United States. This has enabled us to provide more jobs and to make available a far wider selection of photography gear in the NW Florida area. It also has required a more robust system of managing inventory, obtaining service and overall logistics of processing multiple thousands of used items a year.

2023 - America's Newest Camera Store

After many years of growth with Calagaz, we also experienced many hinderances to even greater possibilities and a deeper connection to our community. The quest to reacquire the Pensacola store began with Rob partnering with is long time friend Frank. They worked out an amicable split and Gulf Coast Camera was born four days before Christmas 2023.
Immediately we began reaching out to our vendor reps and manufactures about having a stronger presence in Pensacola. This started with having our Grand Reopening which saw more than 500+ visitors over two days.
We now have the largest selection of camera gear from Texas to the Atlantic Ocean. We are focused on our Gulf Coast and online customers by providing the best service and the best quality selection.


gulf coast camera

HOURS

Mon - Friday: 9am - 6pm

Sat: 10am - 5pm

Sun: Closed

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