BASHAS', ALBERTSONS INSTALLING NEW SELF-SERVICE PHOTO KIOSKS

WENDY TOTH

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Bashas' Markets here plans to introduce new self-service photo kiosks from Hewlett-Packard into 68 of its Bashas' format stores throughout Arizona by the end of the summer.

"HP is very well known for in-home printing and we feel that our customers will relate to HP in our stores, which will generate stronger sales," said Bryon Roberts, vice president of general merchandise, Bashas'. "Our customers will be comforted by the HP logo."

Bashas' and Albertsons, Boise, Idaho are among the first retailers to install the HP Photosmart Express kiosk, which can make 4-by-6-inch prints in as little as five seconds, according to HP, based in Palo Alto, Calif.

Albertsons will put the kiosks in five San Diego-area stores.

Meanwhile, Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, Ark., and Longs Drug Stores, Walnut Creek, Calif., are committed to installing HP's new Photosmart Studio, an in-store station that lets customers design their own photo merchandise such as albums and calendars, and pick them up one hour later. Longs will put the studios in 100 stores. Wal-Mart will put them in 50 of its Wal-Mart and Sam's Club locations, a decision made after four test units completed a pilot program.

Bashas' decided to sign on with HP after visiting the plant that houses the kiosk systems, Roberts said.

"We are creating a combination front-end kiosk for the digital and overnight photo processing that will take up the amount of space equal to one regular-sized endcap," Roberts said.

Top 10 SUPERMARKET DVD SELL-THROTHROUGH TITLES

As of March 19, 2006

RANK: Title (# of Weeks Out), LAST WEEK Studio, Retail Price

1) 1; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (1); Warner $28.98

2) N; Good Night, and Good Luck; Warner $28.98

3) 2; Walk the Line (2); Fox $29.99

4) N;NBarbie: Mermaidia; Lionsgate $19.98

5) 3; Lady and the Tramp: 50th Anniversary Ed. (2); Buena Vista $29.99

6) NL; Just Friends (2); New Line $28.98

7) 4; Pride and Prejudice (2); Universal $29.98

8) 5; Yours, Mine & Ours (2); Paramount $29.95

9) 6; Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of the Were-Rabbit (6); DreamWorks $29.99

10) 7; Just Like Heaven (5); DreamWorks $29.99

N=New NL=Not in Top 10 last week

This chart, tailored for the supermarket video market, is based on information taken from more than 1,000 supermarket rental locations serviced by Ingram Entertainment, La Vergne, Tenn.