Staples, Inc., founded in 1986 by Leo Kahn and Thomas G. Stemberg, is an American multinational office supply retailing corporation. With its headquarters in Framingham, Massachusetts, Staples has carved out a significant niche in the office supplies industry, offering products that range from stationery and business essentials to furniture and tech gadgets. The company took a pioneering step in creating a superstore concept to cater to small businesses and home office customers, a move that revolutionized the office supply retail sector. Staples operates across the globe, with numerous stores and an extensive online presence, making it one of the largest office supply chains in the world. Over the years, Staples has expanded its services beyond physical products to include copy and print services, technology services, and facilities and breakroom supplies. Did You Know? - Staples was one of the first companies to offer an office supplies superstore format, significantly changing...

Read More

Office Depot, Inc. is a leading American retailer specializing in office supplies, technology, and furniture. Founded in 1986 by F. Patrick Sher, Stephen Dougherty, and Jack Kopkin, the company opened its first store in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Over the years, Office Depot has grown significantly, both organically and through acquisitions, including a notable merger in 2013 with OfficeMax, another office supplies retailer. Office Depot operates under several brands, including OfficeMax, Grand & Toy, and ODP Business Solutions, catering to a wide range of customers from individual consumers to large corporations. The company has a significant online presence, complemented by a network of retail stores across the United States. Did You Know? Office Depot once entered into a merger agreement with Staples, its biggest competitor, in 1997 and again in 2015. However, both attempts were blocked by regulatory authorities due to antitrust concerns, highlighting the competitive nature o...

Read More

Founded in 1927 in Chicago, Illinois, by William Wallace Grainger, W.W. Grainger, Inc., commonly known as Grainger, has grown to become a leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products, serving businesses and institutions in North America and across the globe. Initially established to provide an efficient solution for businesses to access consistent supplies, Grainger's catalog has expanded over the decades to include more than 1.5 million products ranging from hand tools and motors to lighting and material handling equipment. Grainger is renowned for its vast inventory, which enables quick delivery and access to supplies that keep businesses running smoothly. The company operates through a network of distribution centers, branches, and websites, offering customers a variety of ways to shop and order products. Grainger's commitment to service has been a cornerstone of its success, with a strong emphasis on helping businesses and institutions manage...

Read More

Fastenal Company, founded in 1967 by Bob Kierlin and four friends in Winona, Minnesota, has grown from a small-town fastener shop into a global supplier of industrial and construction supplies. Initially, the company aimed to provide a wide range of fastener products through vending machines, an innovative idea at the time. Today, Fastenal has expanded its offerings beyond fasteners to include a variety of tools, supplies, and services tailored to the construction and manufacturing industries. With over 2,200 branches worldwide, Fastenal has established a strong presence in North America and has steadily increased its global footprint. The company is known for its localized customer service model, where each branch operates somewhat autonomously to meet the specific needs of its local customers. This approach has allowed Fastenal to maintain a high level of service and adaptability. Fastenal also leads in the adoption of industrial vending machines, a concept that has revolutioniz...

Read More

MSC Industrial Supply Co., founded in 1941, is a premier distributor of Metalworking and Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) products and services in North America. Headquartered in Melville, New York, the company has carved a niche for itself by providing a wide array of over 1.5 million products to its customers, which include individual tradesmen and Fortune 500 companies alike. Did You Know? MSC Industrial Supply started as a small operation in New York City's Garment District and has grown into a powerhouse with a presence across the United States, including five major Customer Fulfillment Centers. A testament to its commitment to innovation, MSC was one of the industrial supply industry's early adopters of the internet, launching its eCommerce site in 1996, which significantly expanded its reach and customer base. The company's success is built on a foundation of providing not just products, but also tailored solutions that help businesses streamline their operations...

Read More

W.B. Mason is an American office products dealer headquartered in Brockton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1898 by William Betts Mason, the company has grown from a small business selling rubber stamps and stencils to becoming one of the largest privately held office products dealers in the United States. W.B. Mason is renowned for its personalized service and delivery capabilities, offering a wide range of products including office supplies, furniture, janitorial products, and promotional items. Did You Know? - W.B. Mason's distinctive delivery trucks, emblazoned with the company's logo and the slogan "Who But W.B. Mason," are a familiar sight in many U.S. cities, symbolizing the company's commitment to fast and reliable service. - The company has made a significant mark in sustainability efforts by implementing eco-friendly delivery options and recycling programs, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint while still providing high-quality service. - W.B. Mason has also ventured into the...

Read More

Uline, founded in 1980 by Liz and Dick Uihlein, is a family-owned business that has grown into one of North America's leading distributors of shipping, industrial, and packaging materials to businesses throughout the continent. Headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, Uline has expanded its reach with distribution centers strategically located across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, ensuring fast delivery times for its vast array of products. The company's product catalog is impressively extensive, offering over 37,500 products, including shipping boxes, poly bags, janitorial supplies, and office equipment, among others. Uline is renowned for its commitment to customer service, with a 24/7 customer service line and same-day shipping for orders placed by 6 PM. Did You Know? Uline's origins can be traced back to Liz and Dick Uihlein's recognition of a need for a reliable source of shipping supplies for their own small business. This realization sparked the idea to start...

Read More

HD Supply is a leading North American industrial distributor, providing a broad range of products and services to professional customers in the maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), infrastructure, and specialty construction markets. Founded in 1974 as Maintenance Warehouse in San Diego, California, the company has grown through numerous acquisitions and strategic changes to become a key player in the distribution industry. In 2007, HD Supply was acquired by Home Depot but was later spun off as an independent company. HD Supply focuses on delivering high-quality products and services across various sectors, including facilities maintenance, water infrastructure, and construction & industrial. With a vast network of distribution centers and a fleet of delivery vehicles, HD Supply ensures timely delivery of products to customers across the United States and Canada. Did You Know? HD Supply was once part of the Home Depot family, showcasing its strong roots in the home improvem...

Read More

Global Industrial, a subsidiary of Systemax Inc., stands as a beacon in the industrial products and office supplies sector. Founded in 1949, the company has carved a niche for itself by offering a wide range of products that cater to the needs of businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. With its headquarters in Port Washington, New York, Global Industrial has expanded its reach beyond the United States, serving customers in Canada and beyond. The company's product line is impressively vast, encompassing over 1 million industrial, material handling, and business products. This range includes everything from shelving and storage solutions to office furniture, and from HVAC equipment to maintenance supplies. Global Industrial's commitment to quality and value has made it a go-to source for customers looking to optimize their operations and workspaces. Did You Know? - E-commerce Pioneer: Global Industrial was an early adopter of the internet for business purpose...

Read More

Zoro is a leading online retailer specializing in tools, industrial equipment, and business supplies. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Zoro has rapidly grown by offering a vast selection of products, over 3 million items, ranging from safety and security equipment to electrical and lighting supplies, catering to the needs of various industries and DIY enthusiasts. Zoro prides itself on providing an easy shopping experience, competitive pricing, and fast, free shipping on most orders. The company operates under the motto "Zoro: Making it Easier for Small Businesses," reflecting its commitment to supporting small to medium-sized businesses with their operational needs. Did You Know? Zoro is a subsidiary of W.W. Grainger, Inc., a Fortune 500 industrial supply company. Despite its massive inventory and industrial focus, Zoro maintains a quirky and fun brand personality, often evident in its marketing campaigns and social media interactions. This unique a...

Read More