1. What do you see as the value of this program to Office Depot and to consumers?
Office Depot truly understands that small businesses everywhere are still dealing with the challenges of the economy. We also know that the first quarter is typically when businesses make a lot of the purchases that are necessary to help run their business. Offering payment options that allow them to spread the payments out over time can help them with current day cash flow.
2. What makes Office Depot’s credit card program unique and stand out from similar initiatives?
The reporting detail available in the monthly statements (available both in paper form and online) is much more detailed allowing the business to better manage their office supply purchases. For example, one of the great benefits of our Office Depot Business Credit Account is the itemized, detailed statement that gives business owners information they can use to better manage their office supply expenses. Our card has detail at an SKU level compared to what you may see in a general purpose cards that are summary level at best. Businesses can also identify individuals authorized to purchase with the peace of mind they are limited to business related items.
3. What is Office Depot’s overall outlook on mobile payments and retail solutions?
Our new iPhone application, which was just released last week, has a new look and feel that went through significant external usability testing and is consistent in design with http://www.officedepot.com/. The new app features a benefit called “In App Checkout.” This means that a customer never has to leave the application or be redirected to another site to complete a transaction. Additionally, we added functionality that is truly a game changer in our industry when it comes to mobile apps like “Office Depot Anywhere.” The latter was developed to help make our customers’ busy lives a little more manageable when it comes to the purchase of office supplies. The way it works is simple: a customer who is shopping online for office supplies on his/her computer at work might get a sudden call and have to leave the office. Instead of wasting all of that valuable time spent placing an order, when the customer picks up his/her smartphone and opens up the Office Depot application, they’ll see that their shopping cart has followed them.
4. How else is Office Depot helping to drive “what’s next” in payments and retail?
We are constantly looking at ways to improve the customer experience and make transactions more convenient. For example, we are testing the company’s first Android-based application for our customers. Also, we are seeing a shift towards a more mobile customer that will demand applications and functionality across devices.
George Hill, Senior Vice President, Store Operations
George Hill joined Office Depot in April 2004. He was named Senior Vice President of Copy & Print Depot in November 2008 and became Senior Vice President, Store Operations in January 2011. In this role, George is responsible for supporting Office Depot’s retail store openings and remodels; strengthening the execution of the merchandising, marketing and supply chain programs; and enhancing the Company’s customer service.
Prior to joining Office Depot, Hill had an 18-year career with The Home Depot including pioneering The Home Depot’s growth in the Midwest as a District Manager and Regional Vice President.
A Miami native, Hill is a graduate of St. Regis University.
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