Sears, KMart To Offer GE Branded Digital Cameras

General Imaging, the worldwide exclusive licensee for GE- branded digital cameras, announced that Sears and Kmart have signed a contract to become the first retailers to carry the stylish new digital cameras emblazoned with the famous GE monogram.

The retail chains, both owned by Sears Holdings, will begin carrying GE cameras in their U.S. stores around Memorial Day.

"We are thrilled to sign on with General Imaging and become the first retailers to carry the GE digital cameras," said Jonathan Magasanik, Vice President and General Merchandise Manager for Sears Holdings. "We believe the GE name carries tremendous weight with consumers, and we expect these cameras will be a big hit with our customers."

Both retailers will offer the A730, GE's entry-level camera, in the standard black body color. Under an exclusive agreement with General Imaging, Sears will offer the A830 in white and the ultra-compact G1 in navy, while Kmart will offer the A830 in blue.

Even at the entry level, the A730 (MSRP: $129.99) includes features one would expect from a much more expensive camera, including 7 megapixels of resolution, a 3x zoom, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The A830 ($149.99) is the next step up, offering 8 megapixels and the same specs for zoom and screen size. The G1 ($199.99) offers 7 megapixels, a 3x zoom and 2.5-inch screen as well, but its drawing card is its ease of handling and pocket-friendly dimensions (35/8 inches wide x 2½ inches high).

All GE cameras boast sleek and intuitive design, plus a host of popular, advanced functions as standard features, including face detection, image stabilization, red-eye removal, 1600 ISO sensitivity, and panoramic stitching - all of which are embedded in the camera.

Glenn Miskel, Sears Holdings Merchandise Manager, said the new GE cameras are a perfect fit. "The GE cameras present an impressive array of features and good value for Sears and Kmart customers," he said. "They will also add a welcome dash of color to our camera shelves."

Hiroshi "Hugh" Komiya, Chairman & CEO of General Imaging, said he looked forward to a long relationship with the retail giants. "American shoppers have come to expect great value from Sears and Kmart," he said. "We will deliver just that, with cameras that offer the best value for the money."

Rene Buhay, Vice President of Sales North America for General Imaging, said he was delighted that a deal with Sears Holdings could be struck so soon after the launch of the camera line in early March. "Sears and Kmart reach deep into the heart of America, just as the GE brand does," he said. "They're the perfect retail partners for us as we enter the marketplace."