The Gainesville location of Wolf Camera will remain in business as 300 of the company’s stores will be liquidated and closed.
Wolf is owned by Ritz Camera, a Maryland-based company that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February.
The move will leave approximately 400 Ritz Camera stores still open around the country, including the Wolf Camera at Lakeshore Village.
Retail inventory valued at more than $50 million will be liquidated at the stores that are being closed. Store closing sales offering substantial discounts on all inventory at those locations will begin today and are expected to continue until everything is sold to the bare walls.
Stores to be closed include the location at Mall of Georgia in Buford and 17 others in Georgia.
Beginning with a single store in Atlantic City, N.J., in 1918, the privately held chain quickly grew to become the country’s leading supplier of photography products, equipment and services.
Small business center to offer 2 classes
The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center will offer two classes for entrepreneurs in April.
"Starting a Business" is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. April 14 at the SBDC offices at Featherbone Communiversity. The class will include market research, legal structures for a business, estimating startup costs and cash flow projections.
"Marketing: Thriving in a Soft Economy" is set for 6 to 8:30 p.m. April 16 at United Community Bank in Dahlonega. The course will cover marketing techniques, including use of e-commerce.
Both classes are free and online registration can be made at www.gainesvillesbdc.org or by calling 770-531-5681.