Harvey Norman announced to the ASX today that all five OFIS stationery and office products stores would close by the end of this year and that no further investment would be made in the OFIS brand. Here is part of my assessment of their first store from my April 10, 2008 blog post:
The store itself felt, well, bland. The pink logo is the strong visual but even then it’s only in the uniforms, plastic bags and at the front. In-store signage, which may be temporary, was not the bold message I expected.
To support the opening they give you a brown paper bag and anything you can fit inside during your shop you get 15% off. While it’s not a new idea, the execution at Ofis is good – I was offered the bag three times and told to fill it up. I know the idea has been used in at least one stationery outlet in the US with good success.
So, what does Ofis mean for newsagents? If Harvey Norman is committed for the long haul, and I am yet to be convinced of this given what I saw, newsagents need to be prepared for more competition in the stationery space. We need to get back to basics – the best range, keen prices, exceptional service and marketing our offer outside our four walls.
Gerry is a smart man and I think he will be back at a later time. Right now however I am happy that another competitor is out of this space.
I work for OFIS and I can tell you it came from no where. There was big things this brand could do and I am sincerely disappointed to have to leave it.
buy a newsagency Kel and see where the real hard yards are done
no name, why would you buy a newsagency if you do the hard yards! maybe you should sell if its so hard.
take a cold shower klem
Thanks no name I will, at least it will be refreashing, Just like your comment.
is a no name a no body (nothing)
I loved the ofis store it was the only store that sold macs well i hope they could maybe sell them in the harvey norman stores.
I went to an Ofis store today hoping to get a closing down deal and think I discovered their problem. Their prices are 10-20% higher than available elsewhere. Quicken software which retails for $86 is $100 in Ofis. GPS devices that are $400 elsewhere are $500 in Ofis. Mouse mats are $15 which are given away for free at trade fairs. Gerry Harvey, I think you got greedy.
Gerry’s been bad mouthing the Coles group for years, then when he finally puts his money where his mouth is, he can’t even go one round with Office Works (which is part of the Coles Group).