Twenty-five years ago, Officeworks opened its first ever store in Richmond, Victoria with 4,500 products and around 50 team members. The store’s best sellers were typewriters and overhead projectors.
Today, Officeworks is one of Australia’s leading every-channel retailers, employing more than 8,000 team members and providing more than 40,000 products across office supplies, tech, furniture, and Print & Copy to micro, small and medium businesses, students and households. Copy paper, laptops & PCs, and student supplies are some of its highest sellers.
Established by the Coles Myer Group in 1994, the original plan was to open 50 stores in Australia. Fast forward 25 years and the retailer is part of Australian conglomerate Wesfarmers and operates 167 stores across the country, as well as a significant online business and growing B2B segment.
Recently, the business has purchased national provider of on-site information, communication and technology services, Geeks2U, opened the world’s largest office supplies store in Mentone, Victoria, and launched a new paid parental policy ‘Growing Families.’
With new Managing Director, Sarah Hunter, joining in January, the business is now looking forward to the next 25 years. She said: “I’m so proud to be part of this exciting journey and to work with a team that is so engaged and passionate about our brand. Making a positive difference and connecting with our team, our customers, and the communities where we live, and work has and will continue to be a part of our DNA.”
“The future at Officeworks is very exciting, and the opportunity to build on the existing success of the Officeworks team is something I’m very much looking forward to. There’s so much on the cards in the coming year that will continue to help make bigger things happen for our team, our customers and our communities,” she said.
To mark the 25th birthday, the retailer has deepened its commitment to its national partners, sponsoring a class of 25 students with The Smith Family, as well as donating literacy packs for students in 25 classrooms with Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation (ALNF).
Other celebrations included a lunch for team members who have been with Officeworks or the broader Wesfarmers / Coles Myer businesses for more than 25 years, as well as a Family Fun Day for its customers at the first store in Richmond, Victoria.
About Officeworks:
Established in Richmond in 1994, Officeworks is Australia’s leading retailer and supplier of office supplies, tech, furniture, and Print & Copy solutions for home, business, and education needs. With three easy ways to shop – in store, online or by phone, customers can be sure to find exactly what they need with our widest range when they need, and all at low prices. Plus, customers will enjoy friendly expert advice from our team and helpful services like two hour Click & Collect and free same day delivery. Officeworks has more than 40,000 products on its website, operates a national customer service centre, and has a growing team of expert business specialists to cater for micro, small, and medium business customers. As part of the Wesfarmers’ group, Officeworks has an extensive national footprint operating more than 160 retail stores and employing over 8,000 team members. Join Officeworks’ online communities on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube as well as at its hub Work Wise.
