Stationery Market in the e-Century - ttnet Marketing Blog

Stationery Market in the e-Century October 18, 2007

Posted by wenbi in : Stationery , trackback

ttnet.net - [2007/02/05]

The stationery market comprises a wide spectrum of products from writing instruments, paper products, back-to-school stationery, office stationery to computer stationary, etc. A broad portfolio of products include paper stationery, plastics office/school supplies, writing ink, writing utensils, staples, crayons, letter openers, pencil cases, chalk boards, memo boxes, file rings, push pins and adhesives. In term of materials, five key categories of stationery are consisted of, namely plastic, metal, ink and paint, pen and paper products for professional and fashion markets. All these varieties have undergone different changes with time by the virtue of new international and modern classifications. Writing InstrumentsWriting instruments, such as pens, pencils and markers, have long been part of our daily life. Handwriting highlights the value of legibility, attention to detail, neatness, and correctness, also enables us to reveal our thoughts, add intimacy to a letter and detail our personality. However, the advent of computers and relevant technologies largely reduces the use of writing instruments. People often use computers, e-mail, msn or, even VoIP to communicate for better efficiency and convenience. Yet, we type to express ourselves with the same fonts and fixed sizes, which makes communications lack of personal touches. Writing and receiving a beautiful hand written note is the ultimate expression of luxury communication. By this, it seems there is nothing that will ever replace the sincerity and individualism delivered through the handwritten words. In fact, we see many innovations on appearance designs or on functionality, adapting to ever-changing demands in evolving modern society.New pens spotlights on “comfort” benefit through ergonomic designs, namely on elaborate grip zones and smoothly flowing pigmented ink. Ball pens are developed in two major categories: giveaways or collectibles. High-quality ball pens in colorful designs often steal the hearts of young generations. Popular are quality-sensing colors, like honey, bois de rose, chocolate and Persian blue. Recently, a new automatic pencil is launched to offer uninterrupted writing without the need to push for refills. Highlighters are must-have writing instrument while taking a note. Markers are added with licensed comic figures Paper ProductsThe increasing use of computers, printers, internet and email is boosting the demand for office papers although the call for “paperless office” is still loud. Perhaps, the bare visibility is not enough while the tangibility could be more reliable and secured while making a backup. Major paper products focuses on the themes with a feeling of romantic nostalgia, retro-style and exotic destinations and in pastel colors such as honey, sky, tangerine, mint and pink contrast with intense black. They are often made in materials such as handmade, glossy or matte paper or rice paper, brushed metal, transparent plastic, high-sheen glass, and faux metal or suede and decorated with mini or compose designs, stripes, marbling and clouds, fake flora and fauna, imitation snake, reptile or crocodile skin, and historic symbols from the worlds of architecture. The comeback of the renaissance of traditional methods of production is to be seen in that part of the world of written communication. The growing motives to preserve memories and respect family lives will raise the sales of journals, scrapbooks and photo albums. Back-to-school StationeryAccording to a survey, school children tend to spend their own money on back-to-school stationery such as writing instruments, folders, notebooks, binders, backpacks and organizers if their parents aren’t willing to purchase. They are quiet trend-sensitive and prefer to buy things that can express their sense of style in functionality and colorfulness. Private labels are also crucial in decision-making, the brand awareness is sourced from advertising. Office StationeryModern offices are added with high-tech senses. Office stationery follows the consumers’ desire for luxury and makes use of material from top quality plastics, wood, metal in gold, silver or bronze form, textiles, leather and suede to glass and transparent materials, which are seen in desk pads, rolodex files, filing boxes, scissors, binders, calendars, etc. in trendy dark shades and colors including fire, khaki, ochre, baize green and indigo. Quality brand stationery has been echo-friendly among consumers due to their quality-sensing look, multi-functionality, brand-new designs and environmentally-friendly approach. Computer Stationery

PC peripherals as stationery include optic disk storage boxes, mouse pads, wrist rests, footrests, armrests, document holders, keyboard trays and more. As computer price tends to sink with time, computer stationery at lower price and of more options is offered. The ergonomic designs are welcome as PC users are aware of the importance of avoiding computer-related health problems, often attributed to repetitive use of the hand and/or wrist on operating mouse or keyboards. These discomforts include eye and vision problems, stress, aching backs, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even more. Nowadays, the ergonomics has widely applied in the designs of PC accessories for the user-friendly benefits on effort-saving and more comfortable operation.