COMPANY HISTORY
1989
Mark Baccash founds ("Carlin") in Madrid, Spain. A first store 20,000 Sq Ft in size is launched in Madrid on a main artery leading out of the city.
1991
Carlin franchises its concept of modern, self service, stores backed by attractive catalogs and active telemarketing. The concept is a success and Carlin is now the market leader in Spain with four hundred and seventy five franchises and estimated sales in excess of US$ 220 million
1994
A separate company, Office 1 Superstores International Inc. is created to expand globally the concept through master franchises under the OFFICE 1 umbrella name.
1995
The first master franchise is launched in Istanbul, Turkey and becomes an instant success. OFFICE 1 Turkey is now market leader with 35 franchise stores.
1997- 2003
OFFICE 1 expands in twenty one countries focusing on Europe and becomes the largest franchiser of office products.
2004
OFFICE 1 enters the China market. As office products become increasingly commoditized and the consumer sees no perceived value in more expensive branded merchandise there is an industry wide shift to source low cost goods from China. A Sourcing and Logistics Department is created in Shanghai to supply all stores worldwide with good value, made in China, stationery items under the OFFICE 1 trademark umbrella.
The import process consists in masters placing orders with the Shanghai Export Office, which places them with Chinese manufacturers. Orders are consolidated by the OFFICE 1 staff into mixed containers for export from the most economical and convenient port based on vendors’ locations. The master franchisees pay vendors directly. OFFICE 1 perceives a handling charge on the masters’ import orders.
2005
OFFICE 1 launches an export web site for the use of its master franchisees and to facilitate the placing of import orders from China.
2006 - 2007
In view of the improvement in the quality of furniture made in China and in response to demand from its master franchisees, OFFICE 1 adds a complete line of chairs and other office furniture to its export assortment. At the same time the Sourcing and Logistics Center in Shanghai is expanded and can now at the request of its master franchisees source any item for which there might be a demand.
To expand its purchasing power for the benefit of all, OFFICE 1 takes the important strategic decision to appoint distributors/ importers in markets in which it has no master franchisees and makes available to them the full assortment of stationery and furniture at economical prices.
2008
OFFICE 1 started the year with stores in thirty countries and launched the important markets of Mexico and Peru thereby establishing a strong base for expansion into Central and South America. A master franchise agreement was signed for Vietnam and agreements are under negotiation for Indonesia and Philippines, greatly enhancing OFFICE 1’s presence in South East Asia.