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(Weymouth, MA) January 21, 2009 . . . According to InfoTrends’ latest research, U.S. online photofinishing revenues will surpass $1.5 billion by 2012, more than doubling since 2007. Custom photo gifts and merchandise will account for nearly 70% of that total, up from less than 50% in 2007. As online photo services continue to develop innovative custom photo gift items that cannot be produced at retail stores, they will remain the primary channel for ordering photo gifts for the foreseeable future. While this market undoubtedly offers significant opportunity for vendors, it is not without challenges. As consumers move toward new means of sharing, viewing, and displaying their photos, the distinction of traditional online photo services as “output centric” has never been more apparent. Consumers are still printing their pictures, but they are printing fewer of them, and are often more engaged with other activities. More consumers are opting to share their photos via social networking sites, and fewer are turning to online photo services unless they require printed output. Alan Bullock, Associate Director at InfoTrends, commented, “Online photo services must consider their role in this ecosystem—will they remain focused on printed output, or will they take steps to open the walls that have surrounded their customers’ images for many years? Such steps toward a more open architecture will increase the opportunities for printed output.” InfoTrends’ report Online Photo Services Market Forecast: 2007-2012 offers valuable information for vendors as they evaluate their role in the developing digital ecosystem. This forecast provides estimates of current market size and five-year growth projections for the online photo services market, including online photo service members and visitors, online (net-to-mail) print orders, and total online photofinishing revenue. It also provides a view into the drivers, barriers, and key trends affecting the market. A few of the vendors highlighted in this report include Costco, dotPhoto, EZ Prints, LifePics, PhotoChannel Networks / PNI Digital Media, and PhotoWorks. This report is available immediately for purchase. For more information, visit our online store or contact Robyn Wuori at ext. 109 or via e-mail at . InfoTrends, a Questex company, is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends is available on the Web at www.infotrends.com. Copyright © 2009 InfoTrends. All rights reserved. Reproduction or reuse of InfoTrends materials is strictly prohibited without prior written consent. If you are interested in referencing InfoTrends content, please submit your request to . |
