Kaut-Bullinger launches concessions concept

In what is a first for the German office products market, dealer Kaut-Bullinger has launched its own concessions store within the premises of one of the country’s largest fashion retailers.

The reseller has teamed up with Adler, opening the first Kaut-Bullinger branded space in the company’s flagship store in the northern Bavarian town of Haibach on 16 February.

The 33 sq m (330 sq ft) area includes a range of stationery products, fine writing instruments, gift bags, wrapping paper, and greeting cards, as well as fashion accessories and a selection of travel items such as luggage – a new category that Kaut-Bullinger has recently diversified into.

If the pilot is successful, plans are already underway to open was announced in August 2022. It was expected that the transaction would close in the first quarter of this year, but the Danish competition authority (DCCA) is taking longer to complete its investigation.

In March, the DCCA released a statement revealing it was still in the process of assessing the planned acquisition and had submitted questionnaires to joint customers of the two companies.

Speaking to OPI, Lyreco CEO Greg Liénard said the process was “moving on nicely” and that his company had formally filed [acquisition documents] following the completion of the DCCA’s initial phase of the investigation. He added he was expecting an answer in Q2.

ALOT looks at franchise model

ALOT – the former Staples Argentina business – is looking to expand its store network through franchising.

further concessions in more retail locations across Germany in the coming quarters. This could rise to a double-digit number in the current financial year.

The initiative marks the return of the Kaut-Bullinger brand to the retail channel 12 months after it closed its own flagship shop in the centre of Munich. CEO Robert Brech said it was part of the firm’s plans to restore the top line, which had shrunk by around €17 million ($18.2 million) due to the closure of its store network. Another area of transformation is digital, including a marketplace and a new platform for contract clients.

The company – which dropped the Staples names in 2021, three years after being acquired by HC Corporation – currently has 14 retail locations across the Buenos Aires region, in addition to its main B2B operations. Speaking recently to the local press, ALOT CEO Germán Di Carlo outlined plans to open up the brand to franchise partners.

The reseller will be offering three formats, ranging from 80-350 sq m (800-3,500 sq ft). These will include: local convenience outlets in high-traffic areas such as town centres or near educational establishments; locations in shopping malls; and a ‘service store’ model that features more floorspace and a copy and print centre.