A Little History of the Office Supply BizThe office supply industry in America can be traced back to general stores that dotted the countryside before the turn of the twentieth century.~~ Local storeowners sold a variety of papers, ink and pencils to satisfy the communications needs of customers. In nineteenth century rural America, letters were the only means of sharing news between friends and family members. As small towns became large cities, office supplies moved from the general store to the modern department store and specialty stationer shops. As businesses grew and technology advanced, availability of office supplies became increasingly important to the industrialized nation. Out of that need and the growing competition between supply manufacturers came the office supply wholesaler and direct delivery to customers. Even today with online ordering, the competitive edge goes to those who can provide quick delivery. At the turn of the twentieth century, transportation methods changed the way companies conducted business. To compete, office product purveyors became distributors. Business machines took over many office functions, increasing the need for the products to keep them productive. This increase in productivity increased the demand for additional types of office supplies. The office supply industry flourished throughout the twentieth century. As with everything else in America, following World War II the office supply business was booming. The positive economic climate proved beneficial for the growth and start up of new office product manufacturing, distribution channels and retailers. During this time, several modest office supply dealers expanded nationally. The post war era saw the metamorphosis of small office supply companies into multi million dollar corporations. This was the dawn of the modern office supply business--selling everything from basic supplies to furnishings. Providing more product options and customer service became king. By the 1980s, there were more than 9,000 office supply and furniture businesses in the U.S. It was during this decade that the three major office supply giants, Office Depot, Staples and OfficeMax were born. Today, office supply stores continue to offer a wide range of products and services to take care of small businesses, government entities and multinational corporations. | 
