November 09, 2004
For the first time, Wal-Mart customers and SAMS CLUB members can upload digital photos online and pick up prints at local stores and clubs - all within one hour.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christi Gallagher
(479) 273-4314
BENTONVILLE, Ark., [November 8, 2004] - Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., today announces its new one-hour digital photo service, a revolutionary service that integrates Wal-Mart and SAMS CLUBs online and in-store photo capabilities to provide added convenience, shorter turnarounds, and significant value to customers nationwide.
The new service, unparalleled by any other retailer, allows customers to upload digital photos at www.walmart.com or www.samsclub.com, edit, share and order images online, and pick up photo prints within one hour at a local Wal-Mart Store, Supercenter, Neighborhood Market, or SAMS CLUB location with a One-Hour Photo Center Ð approximately 3,000 nationwide locations by year end. Wal-Mart and SAMS CLUBs Photo Center online software has been updated to provide customers with improved Web site features, ease of use, and speed. "Today marks a giant leap in an industry that is constantly evolving," said Dave Rogers, vice president, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "We are taking our one-hour photo service to a whole new level by making this technology available nationwide through our Web sites and the One-Hour Photo Centers in our stores and clubs. We believe it will revolutionize the way our customers process digital photo prints."
The base price will remain the same for digital prints ordered in One-Hour Photo Centers Wal-Mart or SAMS CLUB locations. Each 4x6 print costs $0.24 at all Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, and Neighborhood Markets with Photo Centers, and $0.18 at all SAMS CLUB locations with Photo Centers. All prints are provided on the same high quality photographic paper used for printing digital or film prints.
Additionally, Wal-Mart and SAMS CLUB are offering customers complimentary software titled, "My Wal-Mart (or SAMS CLUB) Digital Photo Center at Home," which equips home computers with similar functions as the Photo Kiosks inside Wal-Mart and SAMS CLUB locations today. The software is available to download online at Walmart.com or Samsclub.com Photo Center sites, or a hard copy can be picked up -- at no additional charge -- at any Wal-Mart, SuperCenter, Neighborhood Market with a One-Hour Photo Center nationwide. The complimentary software will be available at SAMS CLUBs with a One-Hour Photo Center on November 23.
"With the help of Fujifilm, weve pioneered a cutting-edge, digital photo service to accommodate our customers busy lives and provide a quick, simple, and secure way to transfer and pick up digital photo prints Ð all within one hour," said Carol Mosely, vice president of information systems. "Were excited to offer our customers the most convenient one-hour digital photo service available nationwide at the value our customers expect from both Wal-Mart and SAMS CLUB."
About Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAMS CLUBS in all 50 states. Internationally, the company operates in Puerto Rico, Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, Argentina, and South Korea. The companys securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. Last year, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., contributed more than $150 million to support communities and local nonprofit organizations. Customers and associates raised an additional $70 million at stores and clubs.