Polaroid Opening New Stores Dedicated To Printing Your Smartphone Snaps

By Killian Bell

I can’t remember the last time I picked up a proper camera and took a photograph; every picture I take these days is on a smartphone. The problem with that is, I usually end up transferring them to my Mac, and then that’s where they stay. Forever. Making good quality prints isn’t as easy as it should be.

Polaroid is hoping to change that. The company has announced that is to open a bunch of new Fotobar stores across the United States that are dedicated to printing your smartphone snaps. You can pop in, upload your pictures, edit them, and then print them.

The first Fotobar store will open in Delray Beach, Florida, in February, and at least nine will follow in New York, Boston, Las Vegas, and elsewhere. The Fotobar service began online back in October, and allowed users to upload their snaps from phones and social services like Instagram, then have them printed and sent to them.

So why do we need physical stores?

Well, Fotobar stores obviously allow you to get your hands on your prints there and then. But most importantly, they’ll employ “Phototenders” who can help you perfect your shots to get that “classic Polaroid experience.” It’s great if you have no idea what you’re doing when it comes to photo editing, but you want to ensure your shots look great before you print them.

Will you use Polaroid’s new Fotobars?