From In-House Studio to Serving Largest Canadian Retailers – 2 Year Anniversary of StylePhotos

Date:

Share post:

Retail Insider was one of the first sources to report on the inception and development of new e-commerce photography start-up StylePhotos Canada. StylePhotos is now celebrating two years of business, remembering its origins as an in-house studio for their own e-commerce platform OriginalLuxury.

Today it has become a go-to studio and one of the leaders in e-commerce content creation for the largest Canadian and U.S. retailers as well as independent entrepreneurs. We met with one of the founders of StylePhotos, Khasan Aripov, to see how the processes have changed since the company’s launch in late 2018.

All three machines in the StylePhotos studio were fully occupied by the operators, who process boxes of products and create high-quality photo and video content for e-commerce retailers. One of the most important questions we had was related to the pandemic and the changes and challenges it created for the business. Mr. Aripov notified us that during the full-lockdown in Toronto the business suffered just like any other business, since the studio had to shut down their operations completely. Given the caliber of clients that StylePhotos currently serves, a large backlog started to form. When the lockdown restrictions were lifted however, and the studio began to operate again, the whole StylePhotos team was operating full-time to support their clients and their businesses with much needed content.

When asked about the main reason for StylePhotos’ success in partnering with the largest retailers and acquiring a large customer base of individual entrepreneurs, Mr. Aripov said that he believes that the unique and systematic approach taken by StylePhotos allowed the company to appeal to all tiers of retailers.

StylePhotos developed its own software solutions to streamline the ordering process by creating a digital style guide for its clients — this way every photography order is consistent and every machine operator knows exactly what light, shadow, and angles have to be maintained. This approach allowed the company to implement extremely competitive pricing  which is based on volume orders; something that did not exist in e-commerce content creation before. A traditional approach of shooting products was considerably more expensive, time consuming, and inconsistent — which resulted in lower sales and higher returns for the clients ordering e-commerce content. The most important factor for success is that StylePhotos eliminated human error. The unique systems and technologies utilized by StylePhotos provide unprecedented consistency to its clients. StylePhotos also offers one-price-for-all strategy, where every client (regardless of company’s size) is paying  the same pricing that already includes editing, post-production and product prepping. With this approach, clients are fully aware of the cost of services, and will not be facing any additional charges.

Mr. Aripov also noted that the current situation in the retail industry is alarming — players of all sizes are exiting the market, or facing unprecedented loss of cash-flows. The old mentality of larger retailers of focusing on brick and mortar stores is no longer applicable — companies that fail to offer their products online without a doubt will become obsolete. The overhead costs from rent, utilities, large staffing requirements and constant  inventory ordering threaten well being even of the largest retailers.

Mr. Aripov also mentioned that StylePhotos is currently partnered with a small tech start-up from Switzerland that is developing a unique solution to edit photos and videos virtually automatically, to further enhance the speed of content creation. This software is built using machine learning and most advanced algorithms to ensure accuracy  and reliability of the solution.

We also asked Mr. Aripov if StylePhotos has reached its peak in terms of capacity, to which he replied that currently StylePhotos outgrew itself in terms of current location and equipment. Given the large client portfolio that StylePhotos currently has, it is apparent that the need for expansion is imminent. Mr. Aripov and his team are also working with potential investors who are approaching StylePhotos to find the right investor that would assist StylePhotos in expanding. Further expansion within Canada as well as the United States are a priority according to Mr. Aripov.

“We started off as an unknown studio 2 years ago,” said Mr. Aripov. “However in two years we were able to transform and grow to become one of the leading e-commerce content providers, thanks to utilization of cutting edge technologies, and well-thought systems that were put in place. We are  looking for the right investor who sees the potential of this market to expand our operations to increase our capacity and capabilities to capture a larger share of the e-commerce content creation market. We are confident that the demand is there, and with the right partner we will substantially increase our client base and subsequent revenue.”

The COVID era may have shuttered many businesses in the retail and hospitality industries, but we are glad that this has given an opportunity for companies like StylePhotos to disrupt the industry and help businesses transition towards e-commerce in an affordable manner.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From The Author

Opportunities Present to Repurpose Nordstrom Spaces in Canada: Experts Comment

Retail Insider got the opinions of several experts as to what might happen with Nordstrom's Canadian stores after the retailer exits the country.

‘Wild Fork’ Launches in Canada with Plans to Open Storefronts in National Expansion [Interview/Renderings]

The innovative food company that delivers quality meat and seafood will open physical locations across the country.

Australia-Based Laser Clinics Secures Flagship Location in Toronto as it Launches Aggressive Expansion [Interview]

The concept is part of the world's largest cosmetic clinic group, and it will expand rapidly in the Canadian market after launching in Ontario last year.

Toronto-Based Retailer ‘Parpar Boutique’ Planning to Open More Stores with Expansion [Interview]

The retailer is unique in how it brings in new styles daily, creating a buzz and FOMO among customers.

Smaller Packages at Grocery Stores in Canada Amid ‘Shrinkflation’ Could Trigger Taxes at the Checkout [Op-Ed]

Sylvain Charlebois says that even more grocery items are expected to be taxed as brands reduce the size of certain food offerings below government thresholds.

Aberdeen Mall in Kamloops BC Adding New Retailers Including Tenanting Sears Box [Interview]

The popular shopping centre added retailers during the pandemic and continues to strategize its retail mix including remerchandising a former Sears space.

Upscale US-Based Women’s Fashion Brand Veronica Beard Expands into Canada with 1st Store in Toronto

Another international brand has entered the Canadian market, spelling confidence in brick-and-mortar retail in this country.

Luxury Brand Concessions at Nordstrom in Canada Shutter Ahead of Retailer’s Exit

Several major brands leased space within Nordstrom stores and the boutique spaces shuttered over the weekend.

Nordstrom to Exit Canada Discussion: Craig Patterson & Lee Rivett [Podcast]

Craig and Lee talk about the closure announcement of Nordstrom shutting its Canadian stores. Included in the discussion is how we found out, what might be done with Nordstrom's stores in Canada, and why the retailer made the shocking move.

Why Nordstrom Failed in Canada: Interview with Lisa Hutcheson of J.C. Williams Group

The retail industry expert also discusses learnings on retail innovation from EuroShop 2023.

Vancouver-Based Brand DUER to Double Store Count in 2023 [CEO Interview]

Stores act as a community hub for the brand which is seeing rapid growth across its channels.

Uniqlo to Enter Ottawa Market with Ongoing Canadian Store Expansion

The Japanese fast-fashion retailer is targeting major cities across the country as it enters new markets with stores.

SAXX Underwear Launches 1st Immersive Shop-in-Store at Hudson’s Bay Flagship in Toronto [Interview/Photos]

The pandemic put an earlier launch on hold for the brand which is now looking to open more retail locations in Canada.

Holt Renfrew to Relocate Standalone Men’s Store on Toronto’s Bloor Street Back into Flagship

The standalone Holt Renfrew Men opened in 2014 in a former Roots location, about 500 feet west of the 50 Bloor flagship. Big changes are in store according to the retailer.

Canadian Women’s Undergarment Brand Knix Expanding Further with Stores and Significant Growth [Founder Interview]

Joanna Griffiths discusses the expansion of her brand which includes product innovation and physical stores as well as robust e-commerce.

Upscale Women’s Retailer Andrews Relocated Yorkville Village Store to New Space [Interview]

The relocation follows Andrews' opening of a store in Oakville as it curates fashion lines catering to a range of female customers.

CrossIron Mills Near Calgary Sees Strong Leasing Activity with New Tenants Added [Interview]

It's been an incredibly active year according to James Moller of JLL, noting that the next space to deal with is a soon to be vacated Bed Bath & Beyond.

Birks Investing in Stores Including Relocating CF Chinook Centre Location in Calgary [Interview]

CEO Jean-Chrisophe Bédos tells Retail Insider that the jeweller sees an upside to luxury retail in Canada, particularly in five major markets.

Badass Fitness Experience With A FightClub Meets NightClub Vibe [Interview]

Cissy Chen, founder of Rumble Boxing Studio, discusses her growing business at a time when fitness studios struggle following the pandemic.

Zellers Reveals Opening Dates for Alberta and Ontario Stores

Zellers will be opening its first locations in Ontario and Alberta and launching its ecommerce platform later this month.

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

RECENT articles

Opportunities Present to Repurpose Nordstrom Spaces in Canada: Experts Comment

Retail Insider got the opinions of several experts as to what might happen with Nordstrom's Canadian stores after the retailer exits the country.

‘Wild Fork’ Launches in Canada with Plans to Open Storefronts in National Expansion [Interview/Renderings]

The innovative food company that delivers quality meat and seafood will open physical locations across the country.

Australia-Based Laser Clinics Secures Flagship Location in Toronto as it Launches Aggressive Expansion [Interview]

The concept is part of the world's largest cosmetic clinic group, and it will expand rapidly in the Canadian market after launching in Ontario last year.

Toronto-Based Retailer ‘Parpar Boutique’ Planning to Open More Stores with Expansion [Interview]

The retailer is unique in how it brings in new styles daily, creating a buzz and FOMO among customers.

Smaller Packages at Grocery Stores in Canada Amid ‘Shrinkflation’ Could Trigger Taxes at the Checkout [Op-Ed]

Sylvain Charlebois says that even more grocery items are expected to be taxed as brands reduce the size of certain food offerings below government thresholds.

Aberdeen Mall in Kamloops BC Adding New Retailers Including Tenanting Sears Box [Interview]

The popular shopping centre added retailers during the pandemic and continues to strategize its retail mix including remerchandising a former Sears space.

Upscale US-Based Women’s Fashion Brand Veronica Beard Expands into Canada with 1st Store in Toronto

Another international brand has entered the Canadian market, spelling confidence in brick-and-mortar retail in this country.

Luxury Brand Concessions at Nordstrom in Canada Shutter Ahead of Retailer’s Exit

Several major brands leased space within Nordstrom stores and the boutique spaces shuttered over the weekend.

Nordstrom to Exit Canada Discussion: Craig Patterson & Lee Rivett [Podcast]

Craig and Lee talk about the closure announcement of Nordstrom shutting its Canadian stores. Included in the discussion is how we found out, what might be done with Nordstrom's stores in Canada, and why the retailer made the shocking move.

Why Nordstrom Failed in Canada: Interview with Lisa Hutcheson of J.C. Williams Group

The retail industry expert also discusses learnings on retail innovation from EuroShop 2023.

Vancouver-Based Brand DUER to Double Store Count in 2023 [CEO Interview]

Stores act as a community hub for the brand which is seeing rapid growth across its channels.

Uniqlo to Enter Ottawa Market with Ongoing Canadian Store Expansion

The Japanese fast-fashion retailer is targeting major cities across the country as it enters new markets with stores.

SAXX Underwear Launches 1st Immersive Shop-in-Store at Hudson’s Bay Flagship in Toronto [Interview/Photos]

The pandemic put an earlier launch on hold for the brand which is now looking to open more retail locations in Canada.

Holt Renfrew to Relocate Standalone Men’s Store on Toronto’s Bloor Street Back into Flagship

The standalone Holt Renfrew Men opened in 2014 in a former Roots location, about 500 feet west of the 50 Bloor flagship. Big changes are in store according to the retailer.

Canadian Women’s Undergarment Brand Knix Expanding Further with Stores and Significant Growth [Founder Interview]

Joanna Griffiths discusses the expansion of her brand which includes product innovation and physical stores as well as robust e-commerce.

Upscale Women’s Retailer Andrews Relocated Yorkville Village Store to New Space [Interview]

The relocation follows Andrews' opening of a store in Oakville as it curates fashion lines catering to a range of female customers.

CrossIron Mills Near Calgary Sees Strong Leasing Activity with New Tenants Added [Interview]

It's been an incredibly active year according to James Moller of JLL, noting that the next space to deal with is a soon to be vacated Bed Bath & Beyond.

Birks Investing in Stores Including Relocating CF Chinook Centre Location in Calgary [Interview]

CEO Jean-Chrisophe Bédos tells Retail Insider that the jeweller sees an upside to luxury retail in Canada, particularly in five major markets.

Badass Fitness Experience With A FightClub Meets NightClub Vibe [Interview]

Cissy Chen, founder of Rumble Boxing Studio, discusses her growing business at a time when fitness studios struggle following the pandemic.

Zellers Reveals Opening Dates for Alberta and Ontario Stores

Zellers will be opening its first locations in Ontario and Alberta and launching its ecommerce platform later this month.