AN INDEPENDENT stationers has invested £30,000 to move into the world of retail, creating three to five jobs.
Office Friends will be opening a retail section at its premises on King Edward Street, Grimsby, on Saturday, January 26 – on the back of nationwide chain Staples announcing the closure of its Grimsby store.
The independently owned business plans to have two staff in the shop at any time, and directors Rob Mearns and Helen Horder plan to approach Staples staff to tell them about the opportunity.
The business has spent £30,000 on converting the downstairs showroom, something they wouldn't have done in this economic climate but for Staples' demise.
Mrs Horder said: "We have always thought there was not much competition for the retail market but it was the closure of Staples that convinced us to invest in expansion.
"There is always opportunity for businesses if you are willing to take the risk and have a punt but we wouldn't have done so without the closure.
"There is money to be made because we can offer the same products and service but do not have the overheads of Staples, which had such a huge building."
And if the retail side is successful, the company has space to expand the unit into their warehouse next door.
"We are testing the water here but we have already considered how we will build the retail side if it is successful," said fellow director Mr Mearns.
Mr Mearns and Mrs Horder formed Office Friends after their employers B and E Office Equipment, on Spencer Street, went into administration nine years ago – and they bought it.
Five years ago, they also acquired Rapid Office Equipment on King Edward Street, effectively merging the two and moving their operations into the new premises.
However, selling stationery to businesses and running a retail outlet is surprisingly different so the company has employed consultants to help them make the transition.
Mr Mearns said: "We will have two people in the unit at all times as people won't want to wait and when you deal with businesses, you spend a long time with one person as they are often making large orders – or it is done over the phone from a catalogue.
"We've also learned a lot about what to stock as the items that we sell the most of with our current business aren't necessarily what people would want to pick up from a retail outlet."
Mr Mearns added that the vacancies will be open to anyone. For more information, phone Office Friend on 01472 341493.
