After nearly 60 years on Reid Street, Bermuda Photo Craftsmen has moved on.

The long-time photo shop - which was located at the entrance to Walker Arcade - has consolidated with its sister store the Kodak Express Photo Lab in the Washington Mall.

Owner David Souza said the consolidation resulted from "economic reasons". He added that he sees consolidating the two stores - which were less than 70 yards apart - as a positive for his company.

The company also operates another shop out of the Gibbons Building on Queen Street.

Mr. Souza said as part of the consolidation he has installed new equipment in the Washington Mall branch. He said the company - through its two operations - is able to do one-hour and two-hour processing of traditional films, including restoration of old photos, and is a complete digital operation.

Meanwhile, the former Bermuda Photo Craftsmen location, will not be standing empty for long.

The Royal Gazette has learned that local artist Michael Swan intends to open his third gallery - he already has a gallery in the Clocktower Mall in Dockyard and in the Emporium Building on Front Street - in that location.

Mr. Swan said the third gallery should be open by June and will be geared to the local market.

"Front Street mainly attracts tourists. By opening on Reid Street we want to get closer to the local market.

"It is an opportunity to expand the availability of our product," Mr. Swan said, and added that he has long had the desire to move on to Reid Street.

Mr. Swan said he also intends to continue operation of his Dockyard gallery.

Speaking of sales, Mr. Swan said: "With the downturn in tourism, that has affected our numbers. We could do better, but we are doing ok."