New report shows continuing drift to e-commerce.

 

The US office supplies industry generated US$12.4 billion in retail sales during 2019, according to The NPD Group. 

 

In-store sales were soft, although this continues to represent the majority of the business with an 85 per cent share. 

 

E-commerce compensated for some of those brick-and-mortar losses as online sales grew by 12 per cent for the year, and 20 per cent during the back-to-school season alone.

 

More than US$200 million in sales shifted online in 2019, which is nearly double that of the prior year. 

 

Organization and small business-related segments including traditional pens, binders, portable storage, glue, and adhesives are shifting sales online at the fastest rate.  

 

“The digital transition taking place is impacting how consumers purchase their supplies, and is also influencing the types of products they’re buying,” Leen Nsouli, office supplies industry analyst at The NPD Group said. 

 

“At the same time, consumers are recognising both the advantages and disadvantages of technology being incorporated into their daily lives. Manufacturers in the supplies space need to strike the right balance between technology integration, and maintaining a platform for consumers to achieve their much needed digital detox,” Nsouli said. 

 

NPD Group’s head of office products Tia Frapolii added: “The ebb and flow of the office supplies industry is creating new and uncharted opportunities for players in the space. In the ever-changing retail landscape of today, competition is fierce, and growing market share is becoming more and more challenging, but the brands that are innovating and connecting with consumers are finding success,”