Worcester’s LB Wheaton Keeps Photographic Arts Alive

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Lyor Dotan, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Photography store L.B. Wheaton's owner Stephen Pond says that the secret to a successful store is really a not-so-secret secret...personal service!

Not many small businesses can stand the test of time; especially in particular niche shops such as, let’s say, a photography store. But L.B. Wheaton has managed to stay strong for over a century, serving the community since 1895 and selling cameras, film, paper, chemistry, accessories, fine quality prints and any other need for any kind of photographer. Their secret? Well, it’s no secret at all.

Personal service! Personal service! Personal service! This is the most important and unique aspect of L.B Wheaton according to owner Stephen Pond, and the reason why they have survived a century of uphill battles from economic crises to the the grand change from film to digital photography to the rise of megastores and online shopping. “Back when I started, there were fifteen photography stores in Worcester. Today there is only us,” Pond says, and reaffirms that the quality of their service and products is the reason.

History in shutter-speed

While the original Langdon Bradford Wheaton has been out of the picture for quite a while, the story of the current L. B. Wheaton store starts with Pond, a young man who was married to the “boss’s daughter” and hoped to have a business of his own. He was introduced to the business of photography by his father-in-law and in 1984 he got the chance to fulfill his retail dream, and he has been running the show ever since. Originally located in Lincoln plaza, the store moved to its current Park Ave. location in 1992.

Local first

Running a small business is not easy, and Pond cannot stress enough the importance and the many advantages of buying local. Such advantages include the availability of the store in case anything goes wrong with a product, the ability to test and hold an item before buying it, having personal attention to answer every question, and the assurance that you are getting exactly what you want and need. “We like to talk to our clients, find out what kind of photography they do, what their needs are,” Pond said. “We want to have them to grow and increase their creativity with the camera.”

The store only holds Canon brand cameras (but a great array of brands for different accessories and products). This is because “the big camera companies don’t want to sell to small dealers without a big investment,” he says. While it is restricting for both Pond and his customers, if you are only going to have one camera brand, Canon is an excellent one to hold. Pond tries to maintain all the latest models in store from dslrs to point and shoots, and they are available to tryout for anyone who is interested. “It is all about how the camera feels in your hand” Pond says. For those less experienced with cameras, after you buy one you can go to the store for an hour long private lesson on how to use it, and of course are welcome to come back anytime and ask questions.

Engaging the community

L.B Wheaton has a good long lasting relationship with the photographic and art community of Worcester. The photography departments from the different colleges and their students being a big part of their customers. Different camera and photo groups and art centers like ArtsWorcester as well. It is important for artists and local businesses to work together and benefit each other to keep everyone going Pond says. And he should know, as many artists, novice and professional, have crossed the doors of his store for many years.

L.B Wheaton is located at 259 Park Ave, Worcester. Their working hours are Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-5pm. For any questions call (508) 791-3308 or email [email protected]. Visit them at http://lbwheaton.com for information on equipment, sales and more.