Olsen Posted June 13, 2009 Share #1 Posted June 13, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) A new thing with Leica is the 'Leica Shops'. So far, opened in Tokio, Moscow, Berlin and Paris (of all places..). I think that this strategy is a smart thing. One big change in the photo world is the disappearance of camera/photo retailers. While we had 20 good camera stores here in Oslo (population ca 500.000) we now only have a few. By this, the retail part of the business is practically monopolized. This must be a problem for small brands like Leica. I noticed when visiting Cathay Photo in Singapore this spring, one of the largest Leica outlets of the Far East, that their Leica business now was more secondary than ever. They had none of the new Leica lenses, and was busy pushing this new Sony DSLR, obviously with campaign support from Sony. By establishing their own outlets with contact directy with the users can only be an advantage for Leica. Or? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 13, 2009 Posted June 13, 2009 Hi Olsen, Take a look here Leica Stores. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
stunsworth Posted June 13, 2009 Share #2 Posted June 13, 2009 So far, opened in Tokio, Moscow, Berlin and Paris (of all places..) There are a lot of Leica users in Paris. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
efftee Posted June 13, 2009 Share #3 Posted June 13, 2009 A new thing with Leica is the 'Leica Shops'. So far, opened in Tokio, Moscow, Berlin and Paris (of all places..). I think that this strategy is a smart thing. One big change in the photo world is the disappearance of camera/photo retailers. While we had 20 good camera stores here in Oslo (population ca 500.000) we now only have a few. By this, the retail part of the business is practically monopolized. This must be a problem for small brands like Leica. I noticed when visiting Cathay Photo in Singapore this spring, one of the largest Leica outlets of the Far East, that their Leica business now was more secondary than ever. They had none of the new Leica lenses, and was busy pushing this new Sony DSLR, obviously with campaign support from Sony. By establishing their own outlets with contact directy with the users can only be an advantage for Leica. Or? If the Leica shops were anything like the Apple Stores, replete with accessories and all, I'd live there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
microview Posted June 13, 2009 Share #4 Posted June 13, 2009 If the Leica shops were anything like the Apple Stores, replete with accessories and all, I'd live there. For 'all' read: treat customers like total idiots? As in the London stores. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest WPalank Posted June 13, 2009 Share #5 Posted June 13, 2009 I was just hanging out with fellow Forum member Arif at the Tokyo Leica showroom in Ginza. It has an upstairs photo salon area with printed images by Elliott Erwitt. The staff, with limited English, couldn't be nicer. We both found it odd that they don't carry LFI Magazine. ??????AG - ?????? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth Posted June 15, 2009 Share #6 Posted June 15, 2009 A new thing with Leica is the 'Leica Shops'. So far, opened in Tokio, Moscow, Berlin and Paris (of all places..). I think that this strategy is a smart thing. One big change in the photo world is the disappearance of camera/photo retailers. While we had 20 good camera stores here in Oslo (population ca 500.000) we now only have a few. By this, the retail part of the business is practically monopolized. This must be a problem for small brands like Leica. I noticed when visiting Cathay Photo in Singapore this spring, one of the largest Leica outlets of the Far East, that their Leica business now was more secondary than ever. They had none of the new Leica lenses, and was busy pushing this new Sony DSLR, obviously with campaign support from Sony. By establishing their own outlets with contact directy with the users can only be an advantage for Leica. Or? Yes the sad demise of the independent retailer Olsen. These shops were Aladdin's Caves where one could find an array of items. In Leeds, close to where I live there used to be 8 specialist photographic shops, 4 of which were Leica Authorised Dealerships. Now apart from one grubby Jessop's store they have all gone and my nearest Leica Agent is 15 miles away in Harrogate Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olsen Posted June 15, 2009 Author Share #7 Posted June 15, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) There are a lot of Leica users in Paris. I tried to be funny. Surely, Paris is a very natural place for Leica to have one of their Leica Stores. - The last place Leica would ever think of establishing a Leica Shop, I am sure, is my own hometowm; Oslo. Norwegians are the sort of people who buy their socks at petrol stations - to go with their T-shirts, free hand-outs from certain American fast food establishments... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted June 15, 2009 Share #8 Posted June 15, 2009 I don't think the Leica store in Paris is owned by Leica. It's what used to be 'La Maison du Leica' on Blvd Beaumarchais. I've bought small items from them in the past. Sorry for not picking up on the humour. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tore Posted June 15, 2009 Share #9 Posted June 15, 2009 Olsen: I just receved an email from Interfoto in Oslo. They are opening a Leica Store at Høvik in Oslo on june 18. Have a look on Foto.no - Hovedsiden - Tore Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overgaard Posted June 15, 2009 Share #10 Posted June 15, 2009 Great on Oslo. I see they will even present the S2 at 15.00 on the opening day. That's great for Oslo. Almost wanna go there ;-) As for Leica shops, it's a great idea. As mentioned in another thread a few days ago, Band & Olufsen was very successful in just that; because you can't trust a in-it-for-the-money retailer or retail chain to represent your brand loyal and competent all the time. As people become less and less aware of the basics of photography, the qualifications for clerks in retail stores doesn't include photographic knowledge but rather "closing techniques". Which is all fair. And Apple did the same, for qualified personnel, the correct framing of the brand, as well as the possibility to 'own the marketplace.' Leica have tried "shops in shops" but it mostly then (5 years ago or so) consisted in requiring the dealer to stock up for a certain amount. But the presentation was let to the dealer himself to decide, and I've seen some less interesting presentations that didn't align with the product design, quality and price. So great for Oslo, Moscow and all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted June 15, 2009 Share #11 Posted June 15, 2009 Have to say I'm very happy with the Leica Shop concept. It makes sense for a small company to open up a direct channel to market like this, particularly if they have intentions towards pro-level service. I don't see it as a threat to the dealers at all - or maybe only only to those who are not up to the job. I see this as a continuation of the policy decisions that saw to the withdrawal of dealership status from the Classic Camera - there are some people - and companies - that do you no favours when they claim to represent you. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth Posted June 15, 2009 Share #12 Posted June 15, 2009 Have to say I'm very happy with the Leica Shop concept. It makes sense for a small company to open up a direct channel to market like this, particularly if they have intentions towards pro-level service. I don't see it as a threat to the dealers at all - or maybe only only to those who are not up to the job. I see this as a continuation of the policy decisions that saw to the withdrawal of dealership status from the Classic Camera - there are some people - and companies - that do you no favours when they claim to represent you. Regards, Bill Bill- you really have a down on Classic Camera which I fail to understand, from my experiences with them. They helpful, courteous and thier shipping was next day by 07:30am Andy, who I gather runs CC was most interesting to chat with, maybe being a fellow Northerner he felt some sort of affinity. He also gave me chapter and verse on the parting of the ways between Leica and themselves. His sidekick Michael was extremely polite and very helpful. I have in the past dealt with Leica agents in the North. A couple were terrific and one had his head so far up his a--e he talked his way out of doing business. Bill- can I ask is the thing with CC personal or forum corporate? Getting back onto Olsen's topic. I wasn't been funny. Highhanded corporate companies ride roughshod over small businesses until they have not option but to pack up and close thier doors. The UK was a country made up of small specialist shopkeepers. Not any more it isn't and I personally mourn the passing and I am convinced we will all come to rue the day soon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted June 15, 2009 Share #13 Posted June 15, 2009 What do you mean "forum corporate", Kenneth? I don't understand what you are driving at with that phrase. It's not just Bill who has had bad service at Classic Camera. They are infamous for it - I have experienced it myself. Maybe it's because they have a chip on their shoulder about "southerners"...? They would be the last place on earth I would go to buy a Leica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted June 15, 2009 Share #14 Posted June 15, 2009 Bill- you really have a down on Classic Camera which I fail to understand, from my experiences with them. *snip* Bill- can I ask is the thing with CC personal or forum corporate? Fair question, Kenneth, although like Andy I don't understand what "forum corporate" means?? Although someone who thinks t'North starts above Woking, I speak as I find. I have been into CC on more than one occasion. When wearing a suit, I was fawned over and given the impression that nothing was too much trouble. When dressed in jeans and a jacket I was ignored to the point of pondering my apparent sudden invisibility. When I did finally get somebody's attention - making outgoing calls and chatting seemed far more important - I had to ask twice before I was actually allowed to handle the lens I was interested in, which I then found was not only overpriced but downright misrepresented. On that occasion I strolled the short distance to see Len at RG Lewis and bought an identical lens, in better condition for 2/3 the price asked by CC. I trust this clarifies. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth Posted June 15, 2009 Share #15 Posted June 15, 2009 Could have been the jeans and Jacket Bill. But still you exercised the buyers prerogative and made your purchase elsewhere Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted June 15, 2009 Share #16 Posted June 15, 2009 I was in there properly booted and suited. I was even wearing a tie. I still got treated like I was something brought in on someone's shoe. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overgaard Posted June 15, 2009 Share #17 Posted June 15, 2009 Have to say I'm very happy with the Leica Shop concept. It makes sense for a small company to open up a direct channel to market like this, particularly if they have intentions towards pro-level service. I don't see it as a threat to the dealers at all - or maybe only only to those who are not up to the job. I see this as a continuation of the policy decisions that saw to the withdrawal of dealership status from the Classic Camera - there are some people - and companies - that do you no favours when they claim to represent you. Regards, Bill I've me those same some people who was busy talking to Brad Pitt or whoever on the phone and dropping several other names when they finalized the call. And then busy telling how crazy Leica was after that, stating it as if it was a universal agreed upon fact that 'everybody knows and thinks so'. Yet claiming to represent them (actually one could get the impression they represented Leica more than Leica Camera AG) When I left I had a certain feeling they were talking about me as the fool with the big Leica over his shoulder who didn't buy anything. Though I have friends who love them, I will never refer anybody or buy from them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth Posted June 15, 2009 Share #18 Posted June 15, 2009 I was in there properly booted and suited. I was even wearing a tie. I still got treated like I was something brought in on someone's shoe. You're words not mine Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted June 15, 2009 Share #19 Posted June 15, 2009 What's that supposed to mean? That is just their attitude to reasonably well healed customers coming through their door. I can only tell you what my experience is. I was looking to buy an M7 at the time. I didn't - at least not from them. No problem - their loss, in perpetuity. Another, decent dealer's, gain. Maybe I should have brought a flat cap, a racing pigeon, some rhubarb and a whippet when I came in through the door? Ever wonder why Leica withdrew their "Authorised" status? Have a guess... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth Posted June 15, 2009 Share #20 Posted June 15, 2009 What's that supposed to mean? That is just their attitude to reasonably well healed customers coming through their door. I can only tell you what my experience is. I was looking to buy an M7 at the time. I didn't - at least not from them. No problem - their loss, in perpetuity. Another, decent dealer's, gain. Maybe I should have brought a flat cap, a racing pigeon, some rhubarb and a whippet when I came in through the door? Ever wonder why Leica withdrew their "Authorised" status? Have a guess... Andy- Please don't take me too seriously, I don't. Liked your Pan F pictures by the way and just processed my first Pan F with Ilfosol- maybe a bit thin but I'll raise it on the film forum. Just read your blog. Really very sorry to hear your news and wish you the best Sincerely- Kenneth Cooke Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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