The quote on Russ Brackett's new brochure for the Video Loft says it all: “Where quality customer service makes the difference.”

Brackett, who opened the business in the Meadow Mall in Boothbay Harbor in the 1980s, has changed with the times.

At one time, his store included a massive inventory of videos, DVDs, stereos and photography items: film, albums, frames, cameras and more.

In the past decade, he has added a Radio Shack store, a U.S. Cellular shop and in the past year, most of the videos (he still offers the latest releases) have been replaced by home and office supplies.

One service that has remained constant is the photo processing department … but that doesn't mean Brackett is waiting for Kodak to make a comeback.

In the past few months, Brackett has replaced his photo chemical equipment with all-digital processing printers.

“No more mixing and disposing of photo-developing chemicals,” said long-time employee and photo lab manager Leisha MacDougall. “All of our printing now is done with ink cartridges. The process is easier, faster and the photographs are much sharper.”

And the Video Loft lab is now able to make 24-inch by 36-inch prints with the installation of  an Epson Pro 7900 printer.

Brackett has also installed new kiosks/computers where customers can work on sizing, cropping and retouching their own digital photos. He has also installed similar kiosks in his satellite Radio Shack  store in Damariscotta, where customers can send the photos to the Boothbay Harbor store for printing. Prints are then brought to the Damariscotta store every day it is open.

“We can also print on different types of paper, which makes it nice for customers who want a different look to their photos,” said MacDougall, who said she is still learning the ropes about printing on canvas.

New photo lab assistant Conall O'Brien is no stranger to photography. He has an extensive background in photography, mostly in shooting rock concerts, said Brackett.

“He is very knowledgeable when it comes to knowing photography,” Brackett said.

One service on the horizon is the printing of photo books: photos of birthdays, weddings, special events and more will be able to be put into book form and printed right at Video Loft.

“We need to install the computer software (and learn it) before that happens,” MacDougall said.

Brackett said the new equipment “blows away” the processing quality of years' past.

“It is amazing what these new machines are able to do with even small photos taken from a cell phone,” Brackett said.

He said the company's website is also being upgraded, where customers will be able to submit photos for printing through the website.

“I think I have the best staff I've ever had,” Brackett said. “They provide good service and are willing to learn new things. I am pleased with every department.”

Another service in the planning stages is to offer workshops on technology at the store.

“We'd like to have 10 or 15 folks attend a night workshop so then can learn about, and catch up on, the latest technology,” Brackett said.

“I get asked why I change the business so much,” Brackett said. “I tell them I just want to keep it fresh, to offer what people want.”