The inevitable day has come. In a process that began several years ago when Costco began winding down some of its photography services, the company has now announced, via an “IMPORTANT PHOTO CENTRE ANNOUNCEMENT” on their website, that all Costco photo departments will close at all of Costco’s locations on February 14th.
Costco isn’t completely doing away with photography and will still be offering some services online, however, there will be no more in-store service. In an email sent to Costco customers, the company cites camera phones and social media as the cause, with fewer numbers of prints being made despite the massive increase in photos shot.
An email announcement Costco sent out to its customers
A number of the services offered in-store will be available online through the Costco website including prints, enlargements and posters; stationary and photo greeting cards; photo books and calendars; photo blankets and other photo gifts; and business printing products. But a number of services will disappear, including ink refill, passport photos, photo restoration and YesVideo Home Movie Transfer Service.
Costco has advised customers to pick up any outstanding orders by March 28th. Why this specific deadline, and what may happen to customers’ orders after that is unclear.