Stationery Stores Going Digital

Managing a store is not easy considering the vast sea of inventory stocked up in the racks. As technology advances more items are slated every year to join on the racks. Managing plethora of items some of which are small and priced low is a Herculean task.

Imagine stationery man occupying a corner in proximity selling basics like paper note books, rubber, pen, and pencil and ink pads. This was a simple task and in absence of much competition a profitable venture. But than corners turned into stores as the product list began to increase with inclusion of newer ones and perhaps more useful.

Stationery is a category which readily absorbs new product entrants that aid working and communications in office and home as well. The city corner emblem has turned into a store hub of diverse product line catering to equally diverse technologies. Thanks to technology and innovations old standard products evolve into superior designed ones with greater function and utility. These changes keep stocking the store racks overburdening the stationer who has to stock up well in order serve customers and make deliveries in case of bulk stationery orders.

If you take into account the vertical and variables that have entered this trade, it is nothing but astounding. Even the regular paper stationery has undergone a paradigm shift. Personal greetings, letterheads, envelopes and even printing paper are available in wide range based on the raw material, technology, color, size, and greater impact is accorded by the printing technology that is changing visual attraction dramatically. The old stationery products have not been abandoned due to the impact of emerging technology but paradoxically retained in a different flavor. The originals paper rolls, rubber, pen, pencil and ink pads all survive.

With the large number of product dealing evident in the case of stationers big and small you can imagine the management burden that now affects the business owners. Not only accounting for such long lists of items to prevent expiry and shop lifting but also to manage seasonal demands and supplies poses a huge burden of managing things especially in case of small store owners without much staff.

The induction of digital technology has affected this trade in two recognizable ways. One is increase in product line with the additional electronic gadget accessories and second is easier management help. Yes the stores have to go digital if they wish for a fluid management or sell online. In fact there is a third element to induction of digital technology within and that is enabling sales online. Though for this purpose creating an eCommerce portal is essential which does not aid in management as store software would.

Going online nevertheless makes small sellers’ tech savvy and this helps in managing complex software that run the store in contemporary era. The obvious management of a stationery store digitally is automation. The will boost retailing for small stationers some of whom operate single hand. Software for digitally managing the stores are available online. These are made for small and big businesses and priced differently depending upon the capability. You can choose one that suits the most and is within the budget.

Uday writes often on Indian wildlife especially about the tigers. He works as a naturalist and is fond of travel. Uday also provides search engine optimization service and website contents in English.