Commenting on the news that Office Outlet has collapsed into administration, Zoe Mills, UK Retail Analyst at GlobalData, offers her view:

“The stationery market is booming, forecast to grow 3.6% in 2019 and far outpacing UK non-food growth. However, following Paperchase’s CVA announcement earlier this month, yet another stationery retailer is in trouble.

“Growth in this market is being driven by arts and craft and the discounters and value players with a strong focus on this category, such as The Range, B&M and Home Bargains are stealing share from more established, traditional stationery specialists. With this market now much more competitive than it was in Staples/Office Outlet’s prime, the retailer has been unable to adapt to retain its position in the market.

“Office Outlet’s announcement has not come as a shock, since Hilco acquired it the change from Staples to its current name has ensured that it has faded from customers’ minds as a destination for stationery. Unlike with HMV, another rescue from administration is unlikely to happen.”