Kodak (Far East) has launched a new digital imaging retail network to service the public and corporate customers.
Lawrence Chan Digital is the brain-child of Lawrence Chan, who runs the territory's second-largest wedding studio. He has been using Kodak films, paper and equipment for the past 10 years.
Mr Chan will manage the franchise business and operate the first stores. He plans to open 10 to 15 stores by the end of the year and more than 40 by the end of next year. The first store opened in Mongkok last month.
With services aimed at the general public, preferred store locations will be residential districts, shopping arcades, entertainment spots and areas near the immigration department and China Travel Services.
However, Mr Chan has already set up another division catering to the digital imaging needs of enterprises, corporations and the government.
Kodak's role is to provide the equipment used in the service outlets, including digital cameras, scanners and colour printers.
A typical set-up would be the Trilab System 105, which consists of a scanner, digital camera, colour management system and image manipulation software. It would require an initial investment of about $400,000.