The death of camera stores has been caused by the shift from film to digital photography. This shift destroyed the traditional business model of camera stores. It eliminated film sales and processing, reduced the need for camera repairs, and enabled big box retailers to outcompete camera stores on price for camera equipment sales. As a result, thousands of independent camera stores have gone out of business around the world over the past two decades. Chains like Ritz Camera in the US have also declared bankruptcy as their business model became obsolete in the digital age.