Office World

Office World was a British office-supplies retail chain operated through Office World plc. Its stores were designed as office superstores, combining stationery, office equipment, furniture-related supplies, branded products and private-label merchandise. The chain served both household and business customers and competed with retailers such as Staples, Stationery Box and Ryman. The assortment included products from established office-supplies manufacturers, including Esselte and Banner, alongside Office World’s own branded ranges. The retailer also operated Print & Copy Centres in its stores. These facilities provided black-and-white and colour photocopying, including high-volume copying, as well as plan copying for large-format materials such as architectural drawings and maps. Some locations offered self-service copying for customers seeking a lower-cost option. Office World’s independent operation ended during a period of financial difficulty. In 2004, Staples acquired the Office World brand, stores, stock and other assets from the business for £32.5 million. Staples subsequently sold off assets and inventory and converted only a limited number of locations into Staples stores, in part because several Office World sites were close to existing Staples outlets. Other premises remained unused. The last Office World store closed in November 2005, after which the brand became dormant and the chain ceased trading.

Office World was established as a British office-superstore chain operating under the corporate name Office World plc. Its retail model was based on large-format stores carrying a wide selection of stationery and workplace products rather than concentrating on a narrow specialist category. The chain sold both established third-party brands and products marketed under its own labels, including Office Essentials and Office World. The branded assortment included products from suppliers such as Esselte and Banner. The stores were intended to serve a mixed customer base. Individual consumers could purchase everyday stationery and office goods, while companies and professional users could obtain supplies in larger quantities. The chain also differentiated its stores through Print & Copy Centres. Customers could order black-and-white or colour photocopying, including high-volume work. Plan copiers were available for oversized documents such as architectural drawings and maps. Some stores also provided a self-service copying facility, allowing customers to use slower, more basic equipment at a lower price. Office World operated in a competitive British office-supplies market. Its competitors included Staples, Stationery Box and Ryman. Competition came from overlapping product ranges, store networks and business-supplies offerings. The company ultimately entered administration and ceased trading as an independent retailer. In 2004, Staples acquired the Office World brand, stores, stock and other assets for £32.5 million. Staples disposed of some of the acquired stock and assets rather than preserving the chain as a separate national format. Only a small number of Office World locations were converted into Staples stores, partly because some sites were situated close to existing Staples branches. A number of other premises remained unoccupied. The last Office World store closed in November 2005. After the closure of the retail network, Office World became a dormant brand rather than a continuing operating chain.

• 2005

  Retail chain ceases trading

  [1]Office Worlden.wikipedia.org

  Staples sold off assets and stock, converted only a limited number of locations, and the final Office World store closed in November.

• 2004

  Staples acquires Office World

  [1]Office Worlden.wikipedia.org

  Staples acquired Office World’s brand, stores, stock and other assets for £32.5 million following the company’s financial difficulties and administration.

A British office-superstore retailer offering a broad range of stationery and workplace products, supplemented by in-store copying and print services for business, professional and household customers.

• Private-label office supplies

  Office Essentials

  Office Essentials was one of Office World’s own-brand ranges. It formed part of the retailer’s private-label assortment alongside branded products from external manufacturers, giving the chain a house-brand option across everyday office and stationery needs.

• Private-label office supplies

  Office World own-brand products

  The Office World label was used on products sold through the chain’s stores. The own-brand range complemented third-party office-supplies brands and supported the retailer’s broad office-superstore proposition.

• Print and copying services

  Print & Copy Centre

  Each Office World store included a Print & Copy Centre offering black-and-white and colour photocopying. Services covered high-volume copying, plan copying for large documents such as architectural drawings and maps, and a self-service option using slower basic equipment at a lower price.

• 2004

  Sale of Office World to StaplesM&A

  Background

  Office World entered administration and was no longer able to continue operating as an independent office-superstore chain.

  Action taken

  Staples acquired the Office World brand, stores, stock and other assets for £32.5 million.

  Aftermath

  Staples disposed of assets and stock and converted only a few stores into Staples locations. The remaining network was progressively closed, with the final Office World store shutting in November 2005.

  Acquisition price. £32.5 million (2004)

  Source

1. 1Office Worlden.wikipedia.org