story by Kim Souza
ksouza@thecitywire.com
Ever wonder who takes those beautiful photos of food, fashion and lifestyle aspects seen online for dozens of retailers and consumer product companies?
There’s a good chance it could be the work of KSC Kreate, one of the most recent suppliers to hang out its shingle in Bentonville.
KSC Kreate recently set up shop just a couple blocks from Wal-Mart’s home office — the perceived holy grail of retail.
The Hollywood, Fla.-based digital photography and content agency, headed up by president Brad Tuckman, has an impressive client list that includes: Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Gap, Ikea, Bed Bath & Beyond as well as Canon, Belkin, Graco Baby products and Newell Rubbermaid.
The Bentonville office consists of 10,000 square feet and new production studio that is equipped for high quality retail brands and consumer goods photography along with a complete prep kitchen for food imagery.
KSC Kreate brings together experts in the fields of design and development to create innovative imagery that visually impact the online consumer. The Bentonville office will service the growing population in the surrounding region and those seeking to improve their digital capabilities, Tuckman said.
“Our tools put us at the forefront of digital innovation and provide our clients with beautiful and dynamic imagery that stimulates eCommerce. Some of our new dynamic content clients are experiencing a 5X increase in time on site and double digit lifts in conversion,” Tuckman said.
Since 2008, Tuckman said his business has grown by 30% each year generating more than $10 million in annual revenue last year.
About two years ago the firm acquired a small technology company that allows KSC Kreate to better connect with clients to ensure faster speed to market.
“We have already seen exciting growth in 2013 and hope to have a dozen people working in the Bentonville office by the end of year. We are looking for two more people right now to go with three employees already there,” Tuckman said.
Elisa Levine oversees the Bentonville operations and is no stranger to the region. She relocated to Northwest Arkansas about a year ago from Florida and commuted for four years while serving the Wal-Mart account.
“This is a great area for our business because of the ample opportunity from suppliers, retailers and food companies,” Levine said.
A typical job for KSC Kreate might entail photographing a new food product or fashion line as well as offering turnkey design ideas and elements with optimal shelf-life.
“We also have the ability to work with other agencies on just the photography component. We often also provide the full package for our customers,” Levine said.
KSC Kreate has more than 25 years of experience in highlighting a brand’s key visual content and the firm says it is the intersection of creativity and technology. (Link here to view some of their work.)
Tuckman is excited about the opportunities he sees across the retail and supplier sectors as rapidly changing technology requires commitment and investment from companies wanting to reach the front or remain out front.
“We see the demand in delivering content across all channels from traditional print and packaging to e-commerce. KSC constantly updates its services to reflect our customers growing needs in services and speed to market. The value of KSC’s services is in its ability to increase online sales for retailers and have customers have an interactive experience while shopping online,” Tuckman said.
KSC Kreate also has an office in Atlanta and plans to add one more satellite studio at an undisclosed location by early summer.