Office Depot 2002 Annual Report Download - page 6

“I am excited to be a part of a
progressive organization that
recognizes the value of diversity,
utilizes cutting edge technology,
and makes significant contributions
to its community.”
—Meg Fitzgerald
Senior Manager Strategic Projects
Accounts Payable
“I have been promoted from a driver
to a lead. My next step is manager.
I want to keep growing.
“There is great camaraderie at
Office Depot. We are one big family.
“The diversity is great, we have people
from so many different backgrounds.”
—Eric Anthony Jones
Lead DSR
OUR PEOPLE | OUR BRAND | OUR PEOPLE | OUR BRAND | OUR PEOPLE |
4
While the retailing environment was challenging in 2002, Office Depot seized the
opportunity to build on its existing strengths and capitalize on opportunities to become
an even more compelling place to shop.
As 2002 began, Office Depot introduced its new brand commitment, What you need.
What you need to know. Grounded in one of the Company’s core values, Fanatical Customer Service, the
brand sets the stage for all retail store visitors to find not only the office solutions they are looking for,
but access to a wide range of product information and guidance necessary to ensure an enjoyable and
fulfilling experience.
Office Depot’s ability to fulfill its brand promise is dependent on a number of key strategies.
The Company intensified its efforts to ensure that store personnel are friendly, knowledgeable and caring
individuals equipped with the information and support they need to help them succeed. Utilizing
traditional person-to-person training methods as well as the many advantages offered by technology,
Office Depot successfully placed a wide array of essential tools in the hands of its front-line
representatives.
At the same time, sophisticated planning methods to guarantee the most
efficient and cost-effective scheduling of personnel were employed. The
systems enable careful consideration of customer preferences and shopping
patterns to ensure that stores are staffed appropriately.
Another important strategy might be described as thinking outside the box—
both literally and figuratively. Office Depot introduced innovative product
assortments designed to serve customers with limited time to shop. Taking
convenience a step further, the Company announced a partnership resulting
in the placement of an Office Depot branded “store within a store” inside
other retail formats in the northeastern United States, and plans are underway
to expand on this novel concept. Furthermore, the Company continued to
build the depth and breadth of its private label brands as another way to offer
high-quality products at affordable prices to its retail customers.
RETAIL
FULFILLING THE
PROMISE
“Office Depot is a grow-
ing company. There is
room for me to have a
lifelong career.
“I’m learning something
new every day.
“It’s not just selling things,
it’s about building
relationships.”
—Jennifer Morgan
Operations Manager
Pictured far right
“I’m always learning
about new technology.
I learn from my
coworkers and my
customers too.
“I like working with
people.”
—Stephen Farquharson
Business Machine
Specialist
“My wife and I both
work for the Company,
Office Depot is family.
“Office Depot has
afforded a great
opportunity to me
and my family.
“The Company and senior
management really
appreciate
your efforts.”
—Ron Alonso
Store Manager