Inspired by this thread which covers big general merchandise retailers, I got to thinking about what people’s opinions are of the big chain office supply stores (Office Depot, OfficeMax, Staples), having worked in one myself (I won’t disclose which one). I was reading the complaints for each of these stores at Planet Feedback and I wasn’t surprised to see that most of the complaints with the store I used to work at involved being out of stock on advertised items and several snafus with rebates. So, which of the Big Three office supply stores is the best? The worst?
My vote, is Staples. Why? Because I get Office Depot and Office Max confused, and never know which one I have just visited. I can only think of one thing that a Staples didn’t have that we were trying to buy, and they promptly picked up the phone and called a couple other stores near us, put it on hold, and there the item was waiting for us at the counter when we arrived.
Given my confusion between office max and office depot, I think the only time I had a problem with out of stock was at Office Max. I was reminded last night, they never called us for an item they gave us a rain check on exactly 1 year ago. :eek:
Otherwise, I don’t really have occasion to shop at em much.
I really don’t have a preference. There is a new Staples half a block down the street, so that’s where I usually end up buying office supplies.
I usually go to Office Max since it’s the closest to my house. If I can’t find what I want there, Office Depot will do. They’re all about the same, although Staples tends to have to fewest employees of the three.
I hate them with the same passion I have for all these monolithic super stores. Yeah… I’m getting old.
Given the choice I will frequent any smaller establishment where you know you will be getting great service from knowledgable staff. Stores where you don’t need a map or a GPS to find stuff.
Being one of the little guys means I like to support the other little guys.
Sadly, Staples and Office depot have pretty much driven almost everyone else out of the stationary and office supply business here.