OFFICE DEPOT ROLLS OUT INK DEPOT !

[Anonymous]

Office Depot Rolls Out Ink Depot; Company Relocates Ink, Toner and Fax Supplies into Unique Corralled Shops at the Front of Each Store

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.,JULY 2005– Office Depot, Inc., , one of the world’s leading retailers of ink, toner and fax supplies, today announced a new initiative designed to provide the best shopping experience for customers wishing to purchase these products. The launch of Ink Depot marks the latest step in the company’s innovative merchandising strategy. “Although many retailers sell ink and toner supplies, no one else has dedicated the space, the staff and the technology to the extent that we have this year,” said Dave D’Arezzo, Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Replenishment for Office Depot. D’Arezzo pointed out a number of areas in which Office Depot was differentiating itself, noting that the company was offering customers: — A corralled shop at the front of each store; — The industry’s most extensive product lineup; — Dedicated, knowledgeable staffing; — A Web-enabled reference/finder kiosk; — A free-standing register; — A cartridge recycling area (in which customers receive one free ream of Office Depot’s EnviroCopy 35% post-consumer waste content recycled paper when they return used ink and toner cartridges); and — An in-stock guarantee(1) According to D’Arezzo, the corralled shops will be installed in all 871 North American Office Depot stores by the end of May. To date, Ink Depot merchandising concepts are available in more than 500 Office Depot locations. Office Depot’s launch will be supported by cohesive marketing programs that cross multiple channels and media, including radio, newspaper, direct mail, inserts, ROP, email and store signage. The new Ink Depot icon with corresponding messaging will also be highlighted. “The campaign will promote Office Depot as the best destination for ink, toner and fax supplies,” D’Arezzo noted, “and clearly position the company as the solutions provider for business owners and personal users.” (1) Office Depot guarantees your ink, toner or fax supplies (or its equivalent) will be in stock, or we will waive the delivery fee to your door. Not applicable in Alaska, Hawaii or Canada. Available in store only. See store for details. About Office Depot No one sells more office products to more customers in more countries than Office Depot. The Company operates under the Office Depot(R), Viking Office Products(R), Viking Direct(R) and 4Sure.com(R) brand names. As of March 29, 2005, Office Depot operated 871 office supply superstores in the United States and Canada, in addition to a national business-to-business delivery network supported by 24 delivery centers, more than 60 local sales offices and 13 regional call centers. Furthermore, the Company sells products and services in 20 countries outside of the United States and Canada, including 38 office supply stores in France, one in Spain and 12 in Japan that are owned and operated by the Company; and 123 additional office supply stores under joint venture and licensing agreements operating under the Office Depot(R) name in seven foreign countries.

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July 17, 2005 at 10:43 AM