Office supply retailing is thecommercial trade ofstationery and otheroffice supplies.
Anoffice supply retailer,stationer,stationery retailer orbusiness solutions retailer sells things typically found in an office or classroom, such ascomputers,monitors,printers,paperwriting instruments,books,desks,office chairs andlamps, as well as novelty items likepicture frames,artworks andpot plants.[1] Many provide a range of printing, photography, lamination and binding services.[2] Some may provide repair and recovery services.[3]
The term 'stationery' originally referred to all products sold by a medieval stationer, a "stationary" storekeeper who kept a fixed location near a university rather than others who travelled to markets or fairs.[4] These stores bound, copied, published and lent out books, often providing a greater range of books than university libraries.[5]
Modern office supply stores usually sell supplies for school students, particularly at the start of school years. Historically, this includes likeexercise books,pens,pencils,coloured pencils,crayons and otherart supplies which students are often required to bring to class. In markets wherebring your own device andremote learning is more common, it includes the technology students are required to provide for themselves.[6][7]
Retailers also supply products required for a range of businesses and activities. Historically, desk stationery and printing services were major sources of revenue. In the 21st century, revenue has increasingly come from technology and furniture instead.[8]
Many retailers have experienced a loss of revenue from major business clients due to the growth ofworking from home, particularly during theCOVID-19 pandemic. Retailers have shifted their focus to sellinghome office products direct to consumers, such as by offering a broader range of styles and home delivery.[1][9]
Officeworks,Smiggle,Typo andWinc sell stationery and office supplies in Australia.
Canadian stationers includeDollarama,Grand & Toy andStaples Canada.
Office supply retailers in the United Kingdom includeRyman, UOE Store andViking Direct.
A chain of stationers calledOffice World existed until 2005.[10][11]
Office Depot andStaples are major companies with the office retailing sector in the United States.
Other retailers includeIBM Product Center,InkStop,The ODP Corporation,Office 1 Superstore, Office Zone,OfficeMax,Quill Corporation,ReStockIt, Shoplet andW.B. Mason.
TheRong Bao Zhai stationery shop has been operating inBeijing, China since 1672.[12][13]
M&G Stationery has stores around China and Singapore.[14][15]
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