The value of the core Australian office products market declined by 3.2 per cent in 2011, the worst performance by the industry since the depths of the global financial crisis.
The latest research study published by Penfold Research reveals operators are being challenged with weak consumer sentiment, deflation and lower usage rates of many traditional office products.
Penfold Research director Andrew Penfold told Stationery News that the core office market was worth $7.27 billion in 2011 while the broader OP market was valued at $12.16 billion, which was down 2.1 per cent.
Under Penfold Research's broad definition 'office products' includes the 'core' range, which comprises stationery, paper, computer consumables/accessories and business machines) as well as 'non-core' categories, comprised of furniture, kitchen supplies, cleaning/janitorial products, printing services, promotional products, work wear and packaging supplies.
Penfold said on-going growth for the industry was "all about broadening the offering."
See the September issue of Stationery News magazine for a detailed executive summary of the Office Products in Australia, 2012-2014 Market Report.
