Boulder, CO—LifePics, a web-based firm supplying digital image technology that sends photo orders to retail stores, signed an agreement with Hallmark Cards that will allow retailers in the LifePics network to offer customized greeting cards with designs from the greeting card leader.
The new service is rolling out to retailers in the LifePics network who also carry Expressions from Hallmark greeting cards, with templates using card designs from that line that consumers can access on the retailers’ LifePics-powered website.
Consumers can choose from several types of greetings—new baby, wedding, birthday, general good wishes, and seasonal designs to be added this fall—to add their own photos and a customized message. The order is placed online and consumers can pick up the cards at their retail location on the next visit.
Hy-Vee, a Midwest grocery chain, will be the first retailer to offer the new cards, which can be produced in 4×8 or 5×7 flat sizes.
“There is no doubt that our partnership with the Expressions from Hallmark brand on these new cards brings a whole new level of sophistication to our custom photo greeting card products,” said Vahe Christianian, vice president, Sales and Business Development, LifePics. “We are excited to bring these cards to other retailers in our network so more consumers can create and order these fantastic custom cards from Expressions from Hallmark and LifePics.”
LifePics drives orders to retailers and pro photographers through a variety of partners and sources, and its engine is designed to give consumers an enjoyable, easy-to-use ordering interface. The LifePics service integrates with almost every photo printer and photo lab, and connects to specialized wholesalers to complement in-house offerings. In 2010, LifePics launched its Open program, allowing third-party app developers and affiliate websites to link into the LifePics retail network, sending users, images and orders to LifePics retailers from all over the Internet. Consumers can now order thousands of products, including prints, photo books, personalized greeting cards, photo calendars, enlargements and gifts like photo mugs and mouse pads through a retail-branded, customizable website. Orders can be sent directly to stores for one-hour service or routed to wholesalers, gift providers, photo book manufacturers and an assortment of other service providers. lifepics.com
