Office Supplies Product & Trends For 2009 - 19.1.2009

Product selection has seen supplier embracing a variety of trends in our marketplace — look out for some of these trends affecting our products and promotions in 2009

Environment— a range of green alternatives are available this year, with an emphasis towards recycled, recyclable and long lasting well made products. End users won´t be fooled by green products that are twice the price, expect to see a push for suppliers to provide a cost effective green alternative.

Colour in the office — do you know that colour can affect your mood and productivity. Suppliers will encourage us to brighten up our offices to keep us all positive and focussed this year. Choose Green for calm and balance in your office or Purple for creativity. Yellow or Red can give your office energy and encourage optimism.

Stress free and fit for work — with workforces being cut and workloads being increased there will be emphasis on stress reduction and helping your workforce sit comfortably

Time management — less staff to do the same amount of work means that everyone has to be organised and efficient. End user will be taking advantage of technology to help them be more efficient this year. We will also see a focus on the proper use of the wide range of filing products in the catalogue.

Home office and mobile working — office space is still a premium commodity and many employed workers now have a need for a home office and the ability to work on the move. Wi-fi, environmental pressures and the price of fuel has made mobile and home working more fashionable and suppliers are looking for ways of maximising on this opportunity.

Prices - The credit crunch and cost reduction are driving the end user price down whilst commodity prices and exchange rates drive the wholesale price of the product up. Office Friendly members are now having to dedicate more time to reviewing end user contract prices. 2009 will see everyone looking for ways of selling higher margin products