With non-essential retail back open in Victoria I got out to Officeworks earlier this week to see what changes they had made given their proximity to a couple of my businesses.
It is fascinating the shift in focus in Officeworks. While stationery and office related products remain at their core, they have products that speak to other purchase reasons, and through which they can expand the appeal of their business.
Their gifting, for example, has expanded from what I can see, especially indigenous inspired gifting, which is on trend right now.
Their 2022 diary story is fresh and forward-leaning, quite unique actually – but expensive.
Their calendar range comprehensive.
If you have an Officeworks nearby, I urge you to check it out, so you understand what you are competing with, even if you don’t think of them as a competitor to a newsagency. They are, of course.
I think Officeworks has come out of lockdown with renewed focus in terms of range and in terms of the shop floor experience. Each staff member I interacted with was happy, keen to help and happy to be serving customers.