Top articles from the Dead Pixels Society in 2023

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The Dead Pixels Society had another big year, covering all of the photo/imaging industry news. 2023 was another busy year; here are the top stories.

Shutterfly layoffs impact 360

Personalized photo products leader Shutterfly Inc. management is reducing staff by 360 employees, according to a company-wide email. The announcement was not made public but the topic is a hot one on LinkedIn and on layoff tracking sites. The Dead Pixels Society has reached out to Shutterfly for comment but has yet to receive a response.

Kodak photo paper and chemicals fade from the market

Sino Promise Group, the China-based maker of Kodak-branded photographic paper and chemicals for professional and amateur photofinishing, notified customers the company will “no longer be offering” the products, according to correspondence provided to the Dead Pixels Society.

Sky News: Kodak Alaris owners are shopping the company

Sky News reports Britain’s Pension Protection Fund (PPF) is poised to put Kodak Alaris, the photographic and document imaging group, up for sale. Sky News city editor Mark Kleinman writes the PPF, which has owned Kodak Alaris since 2020, “has kicked off talks with bankers about an auction of the company behind the ‘Kodak moments’ made famous by its multinational advertising campaigns.”

Shutterfly brings back Kris Jenner for holiday sales campaign

Leading personalized products company Shutterfly has again tapped celebrity Kris Jenner as its holiday promotions spokesperson. According to a MediaPost interview by Sarah Mahoney with Shutterfly’s new CMO Bree Casart, the 67-year-old Jenner is a good spokesperson to reach younger consumers.

Photo Imaging CONNECT at Dscoop Edge St. Louis World Expo

The Dead Pixels Society is returning to the annual DScoop global conference. The society is once again hosting a Photo Imaging CONNECT mini-conference track at Dscoop Edge St. Louis World Expo, May 7-10, 2023, at the America’s Center.

GotPhoto acquires sports photo graphics provider Next Gen Photo Solutions

GotPhoto, the solution for the people photography industry, announced the acquisition of Next Gen Photo Solutions, a graphics company offering a range of services, including creating dynamic virtual groups, high-quality graphics, memory mates, and other basic editing services such as background removal and touch-ups, to help photographers get their lives back by reducing tedious post-production tasks. Terms weren’t disclosed. The move builds on the company’s previously announced integration with Next Gen.

Costco picks Shutterfly to fulfill online photo services

Costco Wholesale Club is making drastic changes to its photo program, continuing an apparent ongoing exodus from active participation in the category. The company, which closed its in-warehouse labs in 2021, announced that Costco has partnered with category leader Shutterfly to offer a 51-percent discount and free shipping on orders priced above $49.

Target transfers photo department to EZ Prints

Another major North American retailer is transferring it branded photo printing site to a traditional photo site. Target Photo has elected to transfer its business to a partner, EZ Prints. In an announcement posted on the site, Target says users can migrate their account to the EZ Prints site.

Shutterfly appoints Sally Pofcher as CEO

U.S. photo personalization giant Shutterfly announced experienced retail executive Sally Pofcher has joined the privately-held company as Chief Executive Officer. Hilary Schneider, Shutterfly’s CEO since 2019, will transition to a strategic advisor to the Company’s Board of Directors, the company said in a statement.

Shutterfly restructures debt

Shutterfly, LLC announced the launch of a debt exchange offer and consent solicitation for eligible noteholders, as detailed here in the press release. The announcement follows reports that Shutterfly has been struggling to service its debt on lagging sales.