Polaroid is expanding its Polaroid Fotobar experiential retail concept with the opening of seven micro-retail locations in California.
Launched in 2012 and currently operating traditional stores in South Florida and Las Vegas, Polaroid Fotobar offers customers the ability to instantly turn pictures that only currently live on their smartphones, Facebook, Instagram and other digital platforms into "cherished pieces of art" by printing them using the popular Polaroid Classic Border Logo format.
"When I ask people to show me their favorite picture, they take out their phone. My next question is, does that image live outside your phone, exquisitely framed on a wall, desk or shelf?" said Warren Struhl, CEO and founder of Polaroid Fotobar, in a statement. "Nine times out of ten they say 'No,' with strong emotion. I realized this was a pain point in people's lives."
The pictures can be transformed into three different size Polaroid prints. A Polaroid 3.5 x 4.25 transfer is available for $1.00 each (minimum of 6) with a 9 x 11 costing $10 each and 14 x 17 priced at $15.00. The photos can then be matched to an extensive selection of custom frames, displays and unique photo products crafted from a variety of materials, including canvas, acrylic, metal, glass and bamboo.
Polaroid Fotobar has three stores ranging from a 2,000 square foot location in Delray Beach, FL to a 4,500 square feet flagship in Las Vegas, which include event spaces and a professional portrait studio. The new micro-retail concept measures only 300 square feet. Franchised opportunities are being offered.
"Our new micro-retail stores represent the best of our technology, merchandising and retail knowledge, creating a highly scalable, efficient store model that can be rolled out nationwide," said Mr. Struhl.
