Costco has announced that it’s shutting down all of its photo centers on February 14.
In an email to customers, the company cited "the continued decline of prints" brought on by the widespread use of high-quality cameras on smartphones and consumers’ use of social media as a tool for photo-sharing as key reasons for the closures.
“Since the introduction of camera phones and social media, the need for printing photos has steeply declined, even though the number of pictures taken continues to grow,” the company wrote. “After careful consideration, we have determined the continued decline of prints no longer requires on-site photo printing.”
The retailer’s photo centers previously offered services like ink refills, the ability to take passport photos, photo restoration, and a service that converted home videos from VHS tapes to DVDs or USB devices. Costco is urging all members to pick up any remaining orders by March 28.
Although the physical photo locations will be closing down, Costco says customers can still access the services on its website.
At the Costco Photo Center website, customers can order photo prints, enlargements and posters, stationery, photo greeting cards, canvas, metal and acrylic prints, photo books, calendars, photo blankets, and other gifts. Printing for businesses is also available.