Photo Service, a beloved family-owned photography shop that has been a staple in Old Montreal for nearly a century, is sadly closing its doors. This move reflects the challenging times faced by small and medium-sized businesses throughout Quebec.
Established in 1937, Photo Service has been a go-to destination for professional photographers and photography enthusiasts alike, catering to multiple generations. The shop, located on Notre-Dame Street West, will wrap up its operations on Jan. 3, offering enticing storewide discounts as a farewell gesture. Jean-Charles Hubert, a dedicated employee with 25 years of service, will now be embarking on a new chapter.
Despite the physical store’s closure, the legacy of Photo Service will live on through its specialized printing and archival photo preservation services, which will be available until 2026 via a partnership with Kant Photo on Stanley Street.
The decision to shut down the storefront is part of a larger trend affecting Quebec’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Recent data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business indicates a significant decline in business confidence within the province, hitting a low point of 47.7 in 2025 – the lowest in 16 years. Insufficient demand emerged as the primary hindrance to growth, impacting over half of the small businesses surveyed.
Additionally, challenges such as labor shortages and escalating operational expenses, including payroll and insurance costs, have further burdened the sector, making it increasingly difficult for businesses like Photo Service to navigate and sustain their operations.
