Everything ranging from a pen on your office desk to the papers and files is an industry in itself. Businesses of all sizes and across verticals rely heavily on the office supplies market. The industry has come a long way from the traditional writing pad and folders. Office supplies manufacturers are constantly on the lookout for ways in which they can improvise on office supplies items to smoothen the daily business process. The shift from the traditional brick-and-mortar setup to online platforms is a remarkable change for office supplies manufacturers. Online platforms are a great medium for suppliers to cut down on their operational costs and enable buyers to procure office supplies at a reduced price. Some of the latest innovations that office supplies manufacturers are increasingly experimenting with include dispensing machines, indestructible screens and digital projection systems, and recycling and green sourcing. This industry is comprised of establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following:
(1) Stationery, school supplies, and office supplies
(2) Office equipment, furniture, and supplies
(3) Retailing new office equipment, furniture, and supplies along with selling new computers.
Here are some of the top office equipment suppliers in the world:
Staples, Inc.
Staples Inc. is one of the biggest office stationary manufacturers in the world. It is an American multinational company that is headquartered in Massachusetts, USA. Staples sells office supplies, promotional products, office machines, technology, and business services both in brick and mortar as well as online platforms. In 2017, the staples tagline was changed from “Make More Happen” to “It’s Pro-Time” as part of the company’s effort to expand its delivery business and to shift from focusing on its retail stores.
Office Depot, Inc.
Office Depot, Inc. is one of the leaders in the office supplies manufacturers market. The company uses an omnichannel platform to deliver office supplies, business products, and services. The company was established in 1986 and its first retail store was opened in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Apart from their online presence, the company has about 1400 operational stores worldwide.
3M
The company was earlier known as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. The company’s team of scientists and researchers work with customers to create breakthroughs using 46 technology platforms – ranging from adhesives and abrasives to ceramics and nanotechnology. The company has a workforce of over 90,000 employees around the world. The company was founded in the year 1902 and is headquartered in Minnesota, U.S.
Tesco
Tesco, one of the biggest retailers, is also among the top office supplies manufacturers in the world. The company is headquartered in Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom. Tesco deals in a range of products including groceries, clothing, food items, and stationery to name a few. Tesco has 6809 retail stores in different parts of the world, having a total employment count of approximately 4,40,000.
What are the most popular office supplies?
The most popular office supplies can vary depending on individual needs and preferences, but several items are commonly used in most office settings. These include pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, paper clips, staplers, tape dispensers, scissors, folders, binders, notebooks, desk organizers, and whiteboards. Additionally, technology-related supplies like computers, printers, ink cartridges, and USB drives are essential in modern offices. With the increasing trend of remote work, items such as headphones, webcams, and ergonomic office chairs have also gained popularity. Ultimately, the popularity of office supplies is determined by their functionality, convenience, and ability to enhance productivity in the workplace.
Read more about the market outlook of the office supplies market along with procurement best practices, pricing insights, supply market insights, and market innovations in SpendEdge’s report on the global office supplies market.
