Donald Buckley Photo & Frame shops in Invercargill and Gore will close today for the final time.

The business, which has been serving Southlanders for more than 40 years, has gone into voluntary liquidation.

It employs four staff, three in its Don Street store in Invercargill, and one in Main St, Gore.

Director Nigel Cuckow bought the business four years ago from Graham and Joanne Hall. It had been owned by three generations of the Buckley Family.

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Cuckow told Stuff that the business, while still developing 50 rolls of film a week, couldn't compete with the big box retailers, online sales and smart phones.

"Us small businesses in town are struggling because people aren’t supporting us as they should, " Cuckow told Stuff.

It sold cameras, lens, and everything needed to 'shoot, create, print, store and display your photos, including full custom framing options', its website says.

The business was placed in liquidation on 22 June 2021. Trevor Laing and Emma Laing of Trevor Laing & Associates Ltd were appointed joint & several liquidators.

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"With heavy hearts, we are sad to inform our customers that we will be locking the doors of both our stores for the last ever time on Friday 2nd July," a Facebook post reads.

"We THANK YOU all for your loyal support over the last 40+ years, and for keeping the Donald Buckley name in Southland.

"Nigel, Paul, Debs, Laura & Kirsty."