Higher-speed films and enhanced, lighter single-use cameras are expected to help lift film sales and photo-processing volume at supermarkets this year.
Retailers contacted by SN specifically mentioned Kodak's self-adjusting 800-speed Gold Max film (that performs well in varying lighting conditions), and Fuji Photo Film USA's higher-speed, single-use cameras, as products that they believe will stimulate increased photo activities among their customers.
These items were among many technically advanced products that debuted at the Photo Marketing Association's Convention and Trade Show in New Orleans last month.
The new Fuji and Kodak films and one-time use cameras represent "great growth in the category," said a buying source at Associated Grocers, Seattle.
Associated's retailers will fit the new photo products on to film stands by cutting back slower sellers.
Riser Foods, Bedford Heights, Ohio, is adding Kodak Gold Max 800 film and Fuji QuickSnap Super Slim single-use outdoor and flash cameras loaded with high-speed 400 film to its displays.
"In the case of Kodak Gold Max 800 the amateur photographer will get a better picture in many situations that might otherwise be a questionable photograph," said Rick Channel, Riser's director of general merchandise and health and beauty care.
According to the retailer, "The aggressive marketing support that manufacturers are putting behind these products should motivate consumers into taking more pictures." Channel said Riser has plenty of room in its displays for these products.
The new and faster films like Gold Max will be a lot more convenient for customers, and take "a lot less thought process during the purchase," according to Patty Price, category manager for film and photo at Randalls Food Markets, Houston.
"These products should also lead to more impulse sales opportunities," she added. Randalls is adding new Kodak single-use cameras.
"We'll first display 12-exposure trial rolls of Gold Max film and single-use cameras with Gold Max film in introductory floor shippers near checkout lanes for impulse movement," she said.
To make room on film fixtures Randalls will cut back some stockkeeping units of Kodak Gold 200 film, added the retailer.
Konica has added the JX200 speed color print film in 15-, 25- and 40- exposure rolls for the advanced photo system. The VX400 speedcolor print film in 12-, 24- and 36-exposure rolls has been introduced to incorporate the emulsions used in advanced photo films. Konica has also launched a single-use camera using 27-exposure 400 speed black and white film. According to Konica consumer research, black and white photos are popular among young adults who have been exposed to black and white music videos and artistic films and they favor the clean and simple monotone of black and white in certain situations.