Used camera equipment drives customers to Humble Camera Center.[/caption]
Store manager Brad Crosby has seen at least five camera repair stores open and close in the area since Humble Camera Center launched more than two decades ago.
Despite big-box stores jumping into the industry, Humble Camera Center has avoided extinction with its customer service and expertise, said Crosby, who has worked at the store since it opened in downtown Humble in 1995.
“A lot of people and consumers ask us, ‘How have you stayed in business to compete with the big-box stores and online equipment stores,?’ [It’s] that service after the sale, knowledge of the products that we’re selling and just keeping it honest,” he said.
The store is a one-stop shop for cameras and associated equipment for users of all experience levels, Crosby said. It is an official retailer for popular brands, such as Canon, Nikon, Fuji and GoPro. The store expects to add Sony to its list early in 2017, he said.
Humble Camera Center also offers on-site film development, consignment opportunities and passport photo services.
“We offer camera sales, camera rental [and] camera repair,” Crosby said. “We do custom framing. We have a full line of printing services, whether it be photographic paper, art paper or canvas, and of course [we have] all of the accessories to go along with anything you would need to take photos or shoot video.”
After more than 20 years of managing the store, Crosby will get an opportunity at ownership in 2017. He said he will take over for previous owner Jim McCrary in January, he said. Owning a business has long been a goal for Crosby.
“I do all of the repairs, cleaning and maintenance on cameras here on-site,” he said. “The biggest enjoyment that I get out of it is just the challenge of meeting the needs of [all customers] whether it be an average amateur photographer who’s learning or even a professional that’s looking to dive into a new avenue.”
The store carries new accessories and equipment from popular brands.[/caption]
Humble Camera Center has created a loyal customer base willing to travel long distances for its services. Repeat customers travel from as far north as Lufkin or as far south as Galveston, Crosby said.
“We have customers coming from one or two hours away that are not just a one-time customer; they’re repeat customers,” Crosby said. “It’s just the service after the sale, we’re not all about getting the money and sending you out the door. We want to follow up with the use of the product.”
Humble Camera Center
114 E. Main St., Humble 281-540-4101 www.humblecamera.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Sun.
