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Eastman Kodak Company today demonstrated a variety of in-store scanners, software and wholesale solutions that make it easy for retailers to help consumers convert their shoebox of photos into custom CDs, DVDs, or uploads, turning family histories into memorable stories. Over the past year, Kodak has conducted consumer research and a number of retailers have participated in market trials to test consumer demand for such a service. Consumers definitively indicated they would value a service that would enable them to easily convert their shoeboxes of photos into digital CDs or DVDs. Consumers can view and share their pictures on TV or computer with the KODAK Picture Movie DVD and can access the on-line images to easily create other photo products.

“The results are compelling, consumers love the service and the options that it will offer,” said Brad Kruchten, general manager of Retail Printing Business and Vice President, Kodak. “We need to offer retailers the right set of solutions to profitably serve this untapped market, which is why we intend to bring to market wholesale service alternatives in the U.S. which require minimal investment by a retailer, as well as on-site scanning and software solutions for those who wish to offer the service in-house.”

Kodak’s testing determined that “high touch/specialized” locations such as photo specialty do well with in-store scanning solutions that provide on-site service. On the other hand, Kruchten believes that food, mass and drug retailers in the U.S. at this time may be better served by an off-site or wholesale solution due to the nature of their operations and the level of special care and handling needed to offer this service.