Polaroid Introduces Online Photofinishing Service

February 3, 2005 | Mark Goldstein | Websites | Comment |

Polaroid Corporation Press Release

—New PolaroidPics Offers Consumers Free Service for Storing and Sharing Photos Online Plus Lab-Quality Prints—

WALTHAM, Mass., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/—Polaroid Corporation today announced PolaroidPics, its new online photofinishing website (http://www.polaroidpics.com/), developed for consumers who want a hassle-free way to store, share and print their digital images. PolaroidPics is a convenient, full-service site that offers innovative features plus full online security.

“With our strong background in photography and image printing, we are excited to be a part of the online photofinishing market,” said Jeff Hopper, vice president and chief marketing officer, Polaroid Corporation. “As digital capture continues to skyrocket, Polaroid is committed to serving its consumers across the spectrum of their digital imaging needs, including capture, print and storage. With the launch of PolaroidPics, we are poised to continue to expand our digital products and service offerings.”

PolaroidPics allows users to register free online and upload pictures to the site. A unique events calendar includes a personalized service that lets consumers organize and share their pictures by a specific month and day. The events calendar allows consumers to maintain guest lists associated with an event, and to send invitations, announcements and thank you cards. Guests can also use the events calendar to access photos and various event keepsakes. PolaroidPics also offers electronic photo albums to organize images by specific subjects or activities and share with family and friends.

PolaroidPics offers photo-lab quality color prints in a variety of sizes at competitive prices. Each new member who registers is entitled to 10 free prints. The PolaroidPics site also features enlargements and a variety of gifts that can be personalized with any photograph. The site’s customers can create their own greeting cards, birthday cards, holiday cards, calendars, customized photo books, mugs, coasters and mouse pads. Print sizes include wallets to 20” x 30” prints. Prices for PolaroidPics start at $.29 for a 4"x 6” photo.

According to an August 2004 InfoTrends report, use of online photo services continues to grow with increasing numbers of people uploading photos and each person uploading an increasing number of images. Members are attracted to the easy photo sharing, affordable and quality prints, and creative products that online photo services provide.

With Polaroid’s rich history in photography and growing presence in digital imaging products, its entry into online photofinishing is a natural business extension. More than 20 Polaroid-branded digital cameras, including webcams and the five-megapixel Polaroid 5350, are currently available at retail outlets nationwide. Polaroid also recently introduced the PP46d, a compact thermal photo printer designed for business users. With a variety of digital offerings in the marketplace, Polaroid provides products and services to capture, share, print and store digital images. For more information, call 1-866-994-PICS (7427) or visit http://www.polaroidpics.com/.

About Polaroid Corporation
Polaroid Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and markets instant and digital imaging products and related products. The company’s principal products are instant cameras and instant film, which are marketed worldwide. In addition to its principal products, Polaroid designs, develops, manufactures and/or markets photographic hardware accessories for the instant photography market. The company’s other products and services consist of eyewear, principally sunglasses, and secure identification systems for commercial applications. Polaroid also performs contract manufacturing for and licenses its brand and technology to third parties. For more information on Polaroid products and how to purchase them, visit the Polaroid website at http://www.polaroid.com/.

Some statements in this report may be forward looking in nature, or “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward- looking words or phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “plan,” “seek,” “goal,” “outlook,” “target,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate” and “potential” among others. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in or implied by any forward-looking statement as a result of a wide variety of factors, which include, but are not limited to, those set forth in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the Company’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the SEC on Form 10-K on April 14, 2004 (the “Form 10-K”). The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

“Polaroid” and “PolaroidPics” are trademarks of Polaroid Corporation, Waltham, MA 02451.