Digital Scrapbooking Creates Revival for Photofinishers and Scrapbook Retailers

BUENA PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 11, 2006--Scrapbooking has blossomed into a $3.3 billion industry and has even surpassed golf in popularity among American households. As this growth has occurred retailers from two very different markets, photofinishing and scrapbooking, have discovered new business opportunities and the promise of revitalization.

Parallel Markets

Photos are an important part of scrapbooking and this close tie has benefited retailers in both areas. The retail scrapbooking market today resembles the photofinishing landscape of seven years ago. Small-to-midsize independent stores currently compose the majority of outlets, with a few large chain stores represented. The rise of digital scrapbooking is causing anxiety and apprehension among some scrapbook retailers just as the arrival of digital photography contributed to turmoil and uncertainty in the photo industry.

Some scrapbook stores have been quick to understand the digital connection between photos and scrapbooking. David & Cathy Potts are the owners of ScrapMasters, located in Bel Air, Md. At ScrapMasters, they've created a unique combination of traditional scrapbook store plus coffee/tea and pastry cafe, with a state-of-the-art photo print center featuring four computer stations where customers can edit and print their digital photos. Early on, they recognized the importance of enabling customers to print photos on site, but were not satisfied with the quality of available dye-sublimation printers. After conducting research, they chose the Noritsu dDP-410 inkjet printer for their photo output needs. David Potts likes the printer's flexibility. "Having the ability to offer a wide variety of print sizes is important in the craft business. 6" x 6" is our most popular print size." For Potts, education is a key selling factor. "We have not had a lot of people coming in asking specifically about digital scrapbooking yet, but once we show customers what is possible with digital they are very excited about it."

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