The Year In Office Supplies

As we head into the new year, experts are always trying to predict where the office supply industry is going. It's a weird business we're in as the same innovation that is necessary to stay competitive in any industry also makes it harder to survive in this one. The more technology grows, the more it becomes an essential part of every office. That means companies are printing less, which means they need less ink and toner, less paper, fewer presentation materials and even fewer staples and paper clips. And the industry also has to adjust to the increased role of online and mobile shopping.

So with this shifting landscape in the industry, what were OfficeSupply.com's best-selling categories in 2014? Same as 2013- printer cartridges, copy paper, and binders. That's not to discount the industry-wide trends, which are supported by reliable research and, well, common sense. The lesson here is that the change is more gradual than seismic, and that just because businesses are printing less doesn't mean they've all gone paper-free overnight. There is always a need for traditional office supplies, and for now there is plenty of demand for top categories like classification folders and notebooks. The trick is helping customers find what they want, offering it at a good price, and getting it to them quickly. That part of the equation has never really changed. We just want it easier, cheaper, and faster now, and the companies that keep up will succeed.

In our list of top categories, one of the changes that is noticeable is the increased attention on cleaning and breakroom products; paper towels and bathroom tissue are both climbing up the charts. Businesses are starting to realize their source for copy paper can just as easily be their source for toilet paper, and there are plenty of benefits to getting it from the same place. Diversification can be seen all over the industry, with an increased selection in technology, safety gear, and craft items. Still, none of this changes our commitment to providing the classic workhorse items of the office, and there's no reason 2015 will be any different.

Great Black Friday Deals (That You Can Get Before Black Friday)

We're a week away from Black Friday and the task of holiday shopping. For many, this means gearing up for the chaos of early morning sales (and for them, we have a fine selection of safety gear to wear to the occasion). For an increasing number of people (up to 47% in latest surveys, higher than any type of retail store), online shopping is the primary way to buy gifts. If you're doing your holiday shopping online, why wait until next week? The sales have already begun and there's no reason not to get started.

Our holiday doorbusters are in full swing, with 30 items to make people of all ages happy, at a price to make your wallet even happier. All of them are worth a look, but there are a few that should be big hits, including an NFL Post-ItDispenser for just $6.99.

You Don't Have To Pick Dallas

Other popular stocking stuffers will include a 4 GB flash drive for $4.99 and an LED flashlight for $5.99. Heck, order this cross stitch kit and you can make the stocking yourself! It's one of many crafting supplies now available, as is this jewelry tool kit. It won't fit in a stocking, but this mesh chair is both comfortable and functional, and priced at under $100. Movie fans around the office will also appreciate a red Swingline stapler.

Have You Seen This?

Finally, a present for the whole office will be an OfficePRO Keurig coffee machine and a set of K-Cups. The deals run through December, but are available now, so get your shopping started!

Seeing the Leitz

Esselte is no stranger to the office supply world, best known for being the makers of popular filing supply brands Oxford and Pendaflex, in addition to several other brands around the world. At least they were; they sold several of their brands, including both Oxford and Pendaflex, last spring. This isn't a bad thing; those brands are doing just fine at their new home with Tops Products and Esselte can begin to focus on some of its lesser-known items. This includes Leitz, emerging from the shadows with a neat new toy that offers simplicity to a product that had never been confused for simple- the label printer.

Leitz Icon Labeling System

The Icon Smart Labeling System puts Leitz on the map. It's a wireless label printer that is both mobile and flexible. Cartridges are easy to load, snapping into place quickly without the need to spool or thread paper. They're also easy to unload, so you can swap one label size out for another in seconds. While labeling software is available for the PC or Mac, the real appeal is making a label on your iPhone or iPad and printing it instantly. A battery pack, available separately, can power the printer for up to four hours, making a truly wireless printing experience.

As you begin planning your holiday shopping, Leitz has many other products worth considering, including staplers with interchangeable cartridges, iPhone and iPad cases with built-in stands, and mobile battery packs and charging stations.

Gear Up For Game Day

It's no secret that we're big football fans around here. We hope that everybody is representing their team of choice with a tape dispenser and Post-It Note holder. There's one other piece of team spirit that you may be interested in- how about an authentic jersey? You've got the chance to win one thanks to Bic!

All you need to do is order one of the markers on this page and you'll be entered to win automatically. The markers available are a selection of Bic's Great Erase dry erase markers, Mark-It permanent markers, and Intensity felt tip pens. All are great products and worth checking out, so this is a great time to do that, and get in the running for a jersey of the team of your choice. The contest runs until October 31.

50 Ways To Use a Sharpie

The classic Sharpie marker has been around forever. Everybody knows, uses and loves Sharpies for basic purposes like labeling and creating signs, but the versatile markers can do much more. We've covered some creative uses in the past, and now we're celebrating all the different functions of the Sharpie- at least 50 ways to use one.

Sharpie products are great for many work environments and can create fun and unique charts, sketches, drawings and artwork. Sharpies can be used everywhere from the office or the classroom to building sites or research facilities. They can add creativity, organization and efficiency to any project.

Sharpie Clearview Highlighter

In addition to the popular marker, Sharpie is also available as highlighters, pens and liquid pencils, offering even more potential for even more projects.

Keurig Machines For Sale!

We supply Keurig products! If you aren't familiar with Keurig machines and wondering why the exclamation point is justified, they make brewing coffee and other hot drinks easy and instantaneous. Rather than messing with grounds, filters and waiting for those last few drips to fill the pot, all you need to do is insert a K-Cup capsule into the machine and push a button. The machine does the rest and brews a single cup of coffee in less than a minute.

Keurig OfficePRO K145 Brewing System

More importantly, the K-Cups themselves are now available. Check out this page for the vast variety of options. Some of the best coffee brands out there have K-Cups for sale, including Starbucks, Gloria Jean's, Caribou, and even signature blends from Wolfgang Puck. Choose from light roast, medium roast or dark roast along with a wide range of flavors.

K-Cup Variety Pack

Even if you're not in the mood for coffee, Keurig machines will also brew K-Cups of tea, cider and hot chocolate. Log in and check out our full selection!

Ready For Some Football?

We're about a week away from the start of football season, and fans of every team can't wait for kickoff. Everybody is undefeated, so there's no better time to get excited about waving your team's colors. In the office supply world, we have more products available to celebrate your love for a team. We've talked about 3M's Scotch tape dispensers, and now they're in stock for all 32 teams!

Ready For the Season Opener

These tape dispensers work with standard Scotch tape rolls and add team spirit to any desk. In addition to the helmets, 3M has expanded their NFL offering to include Post-It Note dispensers! 

3M NFL Post-It Dispensers From Three Angles

Once again, all 32 teams are available. The dispensers hold 50 sheets of standard 3x3 Post-It Notes and separate for easy refilling. Check out this page for a full list of dispensers for the entire league!