OFFICEMAX TESTS MINI-MART STYLE STORES

[Anonymous]

http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/news-and-features/shopper-marketing/e3i265790c0e524ea2bf1140bd549640cdc?imw=Y
OfficeMax Tests Mini-Mart Style Stores
Looking
to increase convenience for consumers and lower overhead for the
company, OfficeMax is testing a new concept called Ink Paper Scissors.
Three 1,500 to 2,000 square-foot stores have opened in the Seattle
realm. Each contains about 2,000 of the chain’s most popular items,
including printer cartridges, pens and shipping supplies.OfficeMax is
positioning these smaller offshoots as convenient access to supplies
for local businesses. “It’s about getting in and getting out fast when
you need to pick up a ream of paper, get an ink cartridge, make a few
copies or pick up some school supplies for the kids,” said chief
merchandising officer Ryan Vero in a statement.

Because of the
expenses associated with running a larger retail space, “everyone is
looking at smaller footprints now,” said Paul Leinwand, vice president
of Booz & Co. “It’s a big theme right now because traffic is down
so dramatically that they can’t afford the inventory and labor for a
full store.”Industries like fast food have long relied on the kiosk
model to increase their presence in high traffic areas where a larger
restaurant would be cost prohibitive. Applying this concept to office
supplies is “a way to move forward to create a profitable retail
environment,” said Leinwand. “I applaud them for getting out there and
trying new things. It can work if it’s the right assortment at the
right location.”The office supplies category has shown a recent
penchant for borrowing from the fast food model. Staples adopted the
idea of a dollar menu last month in an attempt to lure value-conscious
consumers.

[Author]

February 17, 2009 at 11:31 AM