Google Photos debuts print-to-retail at Walmart, CVS

Despite the fact prominent tech personalities ignorantly stating photo printing is dead, no one has bothered to tell Google Photos that. After a series of upgrades to its popular photo app – including photo book printing – the giant has added canvas prints and same-day print-to-retail to 11,000 locations, primarily Walmart and CVS Pharmacy.

In a blog post, Shimrit Ben-Yair, director, Google Photos,  also unveiled another feature, Memories, which will show users photos and videos from previous years at the top of their gallery. Unlike competitive feature sets like those in Instagram, Memories creations are private.

Photo prints will retail for 25 cents. Canvas prints start at $19.99 and come in three different sizes, 8×8, 12×14, and 16×20.

Immediately, both Kodak Moments and Fujifilm North America issued press releases claiming their part in making the retail-to-print magic happen.

“Kodak Moments, a leading global provider of photo products and services to retailers, consumers, and entertainment properties, announced today that its technology is underpinning Google Photos’ new print to store experience for CVS Pharmacy locations in the U.S. Consumers will be able to order high-quality prints directly from their Google Photos app for same-day pick up at CVS Pharmacy stores. Google has made this service available through participation in Kodak Moments Prints partner API program.”

“’With a majority of U.S. consumers currently printing photos and over a third of those planning to print more in the future, making prints a reality for Google Photo users for pickup at CVS stores nationwide is a natural next step,’ said Nicki Zongrone, President of Kodak Moments. ‘The Google Photos app is all about ease and convenience, which are the same benefits we’re focused on providing from a printing perspective with our retailers.’”

Likewise, Fujifilm North America Corp. made their own announcement, touting its Enterprise Order Fulfillment services will power Google Photos’ new service to print directly from Google Photos to Walmart for in-store pickup.

“We’re thrilled that our Enterprise Order Fulfillment Service is enabling Google Photos users to easily print their images at Walmart,” said Manny Almeida, President, Imaging Division for FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “This system has a long history of working successfully for consumers who want to order and print their photos with ease, and we’re excited to be a part of Google Photos’ entry into this evolving space.”