tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32202893.post4306250824428674951..comments2023-10-18T08:32:17.510-07:00Comments on Kevin Hillstrom: MineThatData: Office Depot / OfficeMax MergerUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32202893.post-43474489234530461712013-02-21T07:42:12.377-08:002013-02-21T07:42:12.377-08:00I don't know enough about their backend operat...I don't know enough about their backend operations. In theory (and theory...and wishful thinking...drives almost every merger, right, with consistently zero-to-negative real value realized), they'll be able to marginally improve "physical proximity" to every potential customer (but, as Timothy notes -- how many cases are there where one doesn't already exist near the other, anyway?). <br /><br />Potentially -- more price leverage with suppliers (which is where Amazon has been killing it in one category after another)...so cost competitiveness ("Sure, you can get it with free shipping in 2 days from Amazon, but you can get it at the same price NOW in the store down the street." But...they'll still have brick-and-mortar cost overhead, so they probably won't truly get to "price match.").<br /><br />*Something* with small businesses that their physical locations can provide just-in-time office supplies cost effectively ("You don't have to stock 20 cases of paper. Use our network-enabled paper box and we'll deliver a new case of paper when we detect you've just pulled out your last ream.")<br /><br />In short. Errrr... the only "real problems" I can come up with are theoretical and peripheral.Tim Wilsonhttp://gilliganondata.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32202893.post-35292913565148034092013-02-21T04:48:57.329-08:002013-02-21T04:48:57.329-08:00The merger solves the problem that both CEO's ...The merger solves the problem that both CEO's and boards had - their financials stink. The merger buys them more time to try and figure out a new strategy and keep the shareholders and analysts focused on M&A nonsense.<br /><br />It really does nothing for the customer. I have an Office Max and Office Depot about 5 miles from my house. The Office Depot is 4X the size and much more modern and in a better location. I assume the Office Max location will close and merge in the Depot. <br /><br />Why would I care? This merger has almost no value to me as a customer. Its all status quo from my standpoint. Same product selection, same location, same value.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14877093688696837176noreply@blogger.com