[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Oversaturation of the market, IMO. You can get any office supplies at Wal-Mart or Target, and for cheaper. There are three main office stores selling basically the same stuff.

[Fierce Allegiance]

Stapled.

[Brilliant]

you could see it coming.

[PAR35]

I was in an Office Max today. The price they charged me was about 15% higher than the price posted with the product. When I kicked up a fuss, they refunded the difference, but if I hadn't been paying attention, I would have been royally ripped off. How is that relevant? Well, the manager couldn't speak to me because he was on a conference call. Wondering if he was getting the news about his store.

[martin_fierro]

Fax toner ribbon purchased online today

OfficeMax: $24.99 + tax

eBay: $6.50 + $7.95 S&H, no sales tax

[MineralMan]

"You can get any office supplies at Wal-Mart or Target, and for cheaper."

Well....actually, you can get some office supplies at those stores. For most small businesses, though, Walmart and Target don't cut it. The market is over-saturated, though, with these stores. It will be good to thin the ranks a bit, although I'll miss the Office Max near me, and I expect it'll get killed. I prefer Staples, but there isn't a close one here.

[PAR35]

ToysRUs is shutting a bunch of stores as well. While WalMart and Target sell toys, ToysRUs should be able to compete in that segment. I have noticed that about a third of the store is now given over to non-toy items.

[neefer]

OfficeMax’s corporate office has been in chaos for years. I worked there on a contract basis ~ was overpaid and had very little work to do. Theft was a big problem. There were many signs posted, warning everyone to keep all personal belongings locked up or else they would be stolen.

[durasell]

STAPLES NO LONGER HAS STORES THAT ARE OPEN 24 HOURS! THIS HAS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED MY LIFE.

(thank you)

[atomicpossum]

All the OfficeMax's and Office Depot's in my area seem to deliberately locate near each other-- it's the same with Lowes and Home Depot. It's a wonder they ALL haven't gone out of business yet.

[verity]

I never have understood the concept of four different companies selling the same product on the four corners of the same intersection. e.g. gas stations, burger joints.

[Long Distance Rider]

You are right about there being 3 stores selling the same thing, but I sure hope the one lonely Office Max store here stays open. The local Staples pretty much sucks and their employee attitudes suck worse-er.

[TSgt]

The OfficeCraps in my area has higher prices and is understaffed.

When an Office Depot opened on my side of town I almost hugged the first employee I saw when I entered the store. Every customer that entered the store after me told the Office Depot employees that they were happy the new store had opened and that they lamented OfficeCraps.

I used to work for Office Depot in my early college days. IMHO Great job and great company. Staples isn't too bad either.