Office Depot
“Office Depot”
The First Office Depot opened in 1986 in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. The Office Depot is a global supplier of office products and services and has experienced a dramatic growth process over the past twenty-five years. In 1990 the Office Depot Companies bought “The Office Club Inc.”, and immediately became the largest office retailer in North America. Having built its business within the United States and having secured a firm business foundation, Office Depot expanded internationally in 1992. In 1996, Office Depot took its’ catalog and delivery service(s) online.
Office Depot opened about 125 stores between the years 2000-2004. With the economic downturn of 2007, new strategies had to be put in place, and by 2009, 125 stores in international markets were closed. Office Depot exited the Japanese market entirely.
Today, Office Depot provides office supplies and services through 1,678 retail stores worldwide, a dedicated sales force, top-rated catalogs, and global e-commerce operations. Office Depot has annual sales of $11.5 billion, employs roughly 39,000 employees, and serves customers in 61 countries. Their distribution channels include stores, direct mail, contract delivery, the internet, and B2B e-commerce. Viking Office Products, their wholly owned subsidiary, currently operates one of the industry’s leading direct mail marketers of office products worldwide.
The competitive strategy that the Office Depot will approach is a “ best-cost provider strategy” to become #1 in the office supply business. For online purchases, customers will be offered free shipping on any purchase over $25.00. A promotional discount will be applied for 20% off, on the next purchase for every $100.00 spent by the customer. There will be a rewards program for customers and businesses that continue to shop with Office Depot. Based on the number of office supply items purchased, the next item will be free and additional discounts will be applied to future purchases.
The First Office Depot opened in 1986 in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. The Office Depot is a global supplier of office products and services and has experienced a dramatic growth process over the past twenty-five years. In 1990 the Office Depot Companies bought “The Office Club Inc.”, and immediately became the largest office retailer in North America. Having built its business within the United States and having secured a firm business foundation, Office Depot expanded internationally in 1992. In 1996, Office Depot took its’ catalog and delivery service(s) online.
Office Depot opened about 125 stores between the years 2000-2004. With the economic downturn of 2007, new strategies had to be put in place, and by 2009, 125 stores in international markets were closed. Office Depot exited the Japanese market entirely.
Today, Office Depot provides office supplies and services through 1,678 retail stores worldwide, a dedicated sales force, top-rated catalogs, and global e-commerce operations. Office Depot has annual sales of $11.5 billion, employs roughly 39,000 employees, and serves customers in 61 countries. Their distribution channels include stores, direct mail, contract delivery, the internet, and B2B e-commerce. Viking Office Products, their wholly owned subsidiary, currently operates one of the industry’s leading direct mail marketers of office products worldwide.
The competitive strategy that the Office Depot will approach is a “ best-cost provider strategy” to become #1 in the office supply business. For online purchases, customers will be offered free shipping on any purchase over $25.00. A promotional discount will be applied for 20% off, on the next purchase for every $100.00 spent by the customer. There will be a rewards program for customers and businesses that continue to shop with Office Depot. Based on the number of office supply items purchased, the next item will be free and additional discounts will be applied to future purchases.