Ritz Camera

Ritz Camera is a specialty photography retailer with a long history in the United States. The company was founded in 1918 by Benjamin Ritz in Atlantic City, New Jersey, starting as a portrait studio before quickly moving into retail to serve the growing interest in amateur photography. Over the decades, Ritz Camera became a household name, expanding nationally and acquiring other well-known chains such as Wolf Camera and Kits Cameras. At its height in the late twentieth century, the brand operated more than 1,000 stores across 45 states, offering a broad selection of cameras, film, and photo finishing services. Its stores were recognized for knowledgeable staff and in-store photo labs, attracting both hobbyists and professionals.

The shift to digital photography and the rise of online shopping brought significant changes to the business. Ritz Camera filed for bankruptcy in 2009 and again in 2012. Later that year, C&A Marketing acquired the brand and remaining assets. Since then, Ritz Camera has adapted by focusing on e-commerce, maintaining a small number of flagship stores in select markets. As of November 2025, the company operates three physical locations while its primary business is online sales of cameras, lenses, accessories, and photo printing services.

The brand’s evolution over the past five years reflects a broader trend among legacy specialty retailers: a move away from large-scale brick-and-mortar operations toward a digital-first approach. Ritz Camera’s enduring reputation in the photographic industry, combined with its selective presence in key markets, continues to make it a recognizable name. All real estate matters are now managed through its parent company, C&A Marketing.