All systems go at FedEx Kinko’s
August
2007 — Dallas (TX): FedEx Kinko’s has outlined an aggressive expansion
plan to open 300 new office and print centres across the US next year.
The
company will also redesign 110 existing centres and introduce 20 new
locations internationally as part of the company’s plan to provide
small businesses and travelling professionals with greater access to
its office and print services, as well as the FedEx transportation
network.Last August, the company introduced a smaller store format and
announced plans to open 200 centres across the US. The centres, which
have an average footprint of 1,800ft² and carry more than 700 different
office products, have generated positive customer feedback since the
launch. And so, the new centres to be opened next year will take the
same format.Ken May, president and CEO, said: “With our strategic
expansion efforts, we are opening the equivalent of one new FedEx
Kinko’s location every business day over the 2008 fiscal year. And with
more centres around the world, we’re making it easier than ever for
customers to get the shipping, office and printing services they need
in one stop.”
The company also plans to enhance its
international presence by opening 20 new centres outside the US. They
will be focused in the Asia-Pacific region with 12 in China, four in
Japan, two in Korea, and one in Australia. In addition, one new centre
will be opened in Canada.Joe Luongo, senior VP of international
operations, said: “The tremendous economic growth of the Asia-Pacific
region is fuelling an increase in demand for our services. As a result,
we are almost doubling our current presence in China and enhancing our
strong presence in Japan.”In addition to the new locations, Kinko’s
will also begin converting 110 existing US centres from a traditional
format to a large-footprint retail model, which was first introduced in
October 2005. These centres, which range from 6,000 to 10,000ft², will
be redesigned to stock more than 2,500 different office supplies. Also,
the locations will be reconfigured to have enhanced areas for shipping,
computer rental and internet services.Tom Leverton, EVP and chief
development officer, said: “At FedEx Kinko’s, we’re dedicated to growth
and innovation. Customer needs are evolving at a rapid pace, and FedEx
Kinko’s is driven to build our network in response.”