Report and Corporate Profiles

Economic and Social Value

OfficeMax contributes value to society in many ways. Our business helps other businesses run more efficiently and cost-effectively, thus indirectly supporting overall economic development. Our payments to employees, suppliers and governments and our financial charitable contributions provide direct economic value. Because our stores are often destination outlets for essential products, they also tend to help build traffic for other nearby retail establishments.

Our systematic approach to diversity provides economic opportunity to associates and suppliers. Our commitment to associate engagement provides training, empowerment and development opportunities that advance their employability at OfficeMax or elsewhere. At the retail level, especially, we often provide associates with some of their first opportunities in the workforce. We are active in the communities in which we operate, assisting educators and educational institutions with products, services and employee volunteerism.

While the potential for large stores to displace smaller, privately-owned community businesses has received a good deal of media and civic attention in the general merchandise sector, this generally has not been the case for OfficeMax or the retail office products industry overall. Our specialized focus may be less directly competitive with local businesses.