Office Depot Enters New Millennium
By George Anderson
The Atlanta Business Chronicle has reported Office Depot is testing a new store concept that is a departure from its traditional warehouse design and layout. It features lower shelves with merchandise grouped in a logical order, an earth tone interior and carpeting.
The new store, located in Marietta, Georgia is the first of up to 28 the office products retailer plans to open by year’s end.
Bruce Nelson, chairman and chief executive officer, Office Depot said, “We are looking at this new remodel format to not only enhance our customers’ shopping experience, but clearly differentiate our store from the competition.”
Brian Postol, a retail analyst for A.G. Edwards & Sons is skeptical. “My gut tells me I’d go into the store and not see anything significantly altered. There may be better lighting, better signage.
Tru Hall, vice president of store planning, Office Depot is optimistic about the Millennium store format. “We looked at the demographics of Marietta and thought it would be a good fit for a new store. It’s only been open four weeks and the early response from the customers, which is the litmus test, has been extremely positive.”
Moderator’s Comment: What’s your take on Office Depot’s Millennium store? Would their money be more wisely spent on building a stronger Internet presence?
Brian Postol’s take: “The retail concept of this business doesn’t have the growth. More business for office supplies is being done over the Internet and
through catalogs.”