After 44 years serving the South Bend community, Jack and Barb St. Pierre, owners of Gene’s Camera Store, are retiring.
Jon Gilchrist and Melaney Miller are the new owners. To celebrate the transition, they hosted a ribbon cutting Feb. 19. Mayor James Mueller attended the ceremony. Community members had the opportunity to attend an open house afterwards.
The St. Pierres purchased Gene’s Camera Store in 1981, from Eugene Mutzl, who founded the business in 1939.
“Gene’s has been more than just a camera store—it has been our life’s work, a place where we have built lasting relationships with our customers and shared our love for photography,” the St. Pierres said in a press release.
The St. Pierres said they are confident that Gilchrist and Miller will continue the legacy of Gene’s. They also expressed satisfaction in keeping Gene’s a fixture on Lincoln Way West.
“They have great ideas for the future, and we’re excited to see what’s next,” the St. Pierres said.
Both Gilchrist and Miller have experience in photography. Their goal is to preserve the store’s reputation and keep it thriving in today’s evolving photography landscape.
“Jack and Barb have done an amazing job sustaining this business over the years, and we are honored to carry it forward,” Gilchrist said. “Gene’s has been a cornerstone of the photography community, and we’re excited to continue its tradition of excellence while also expanding educational opportunities, services and product offerings. We want it to remain our customers’ ‘happy place.’”
Gene’s will offer guidance, film processing, digital printing, cameras, lenses and accessories. The new owners will introduce workshops, events and services tailored to digital and film photographers of all skill levels. They are simplifying the store’s name to Gene’s Camera.
Miller said she and Gilchrist are grateful for the trust the St. Pierres placed in them.
“Their legacy, and the community that has supported Gene’s for generations, will always be at the heart of this store,” Miller said. “Jon and I both believe that Gene’s is the community’s camera store, and our role is to be good stewards of it, ensuring its success well into the future.”
