PixArts, A New Franchise Concept, Delivers Benefits of Digital Photography in A Consumer-Friendly Environment (5/00)

Capitalizing on the emerging growth of digital imaging and America's love of pictures and art, Tony DeSio, creator of Mail Boxes Etc., introduced his newest Franchise brainchild, PixArts, at International franchise Exposition 2000 held last week in Orlando, FL. Through the Digital Imaging Center concept, PixArts offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to reach a broad target market - consumers of art and photography.

The number of PixArts Franchises currently under contract now totals seven, with future plans calling for several hundred additional franchises to be opened within the next three to five years. The retail outlets will typically be located in high-volume strip shopping centers.

PixArts offers consumers who might be unfamiliar with the broad capabilities of digital photography an opportunity to experience a new world of creativity and personalized art. In addition, print photographs can be scanned, enhanced, enlarged and framed. Customers can have their prints digitally reproduced on film or canvas, as well as on plaques, plates, tiles, mugs, mouse pads and other substrates. Diverse printing surfaces for digital images are becoming available on the market, and PixArts will continue to bring consumers a variety of customized and unique printing solutions.

The newest PixArts franchise agreement is in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Opening in October 2000, the San Juan PixArts joins an exclusive list of PixArts cities that include San Diego, Las Vegas and Denver. All PixArts Digital Imaging Centers are independently owned and operated, and the company's support of this specialized network of dealers will strengthen PixArts' distribution capabilities and awareness in the U.S.

Before developing PixArts, DeSio's most recent national Franchising success was Mail Boxes Etc., which he founded in 1980. DeSio was the president and CEO until the company was sold in 1997. He expects to have an even greater impact on the digital photography industry with his new venture. PixArts will rely on DeSio's - and a team that goes back to his days at Mail Boxes Etc. - expertise in franchising, financial matters and international business for the company's expansion plans.

PixArts Digital Imaging Centers, founded in San Diego in 1999, specialize in portrait photography, photo restoration, fine arts reproduction, framing, signs and posters. PixArts also converts photos and art into digital prints on canvas, fabric and other materials.