OfficeMax posts 16% gain in 2005 web sales

Despite a steep drop in total sales, OfficeMax Inc. turned in a solid web performance for 2005. For the year, OfficeMax is reporting 2005 e-commerce sales rose 16.68% to $2.56 billion from $2.2 billion in 2004. Overall the web accounted for 28% of total sales of $9.1 billion in 2005 vs. 2004 when e-commerce represented 17% of total sales of $13.2 billion. Total sales declined 31% year-over-year.

OfficeMax, No. 40 in the Internet Retailer Top 400 Guide to Retail Web Sites, is introducing a number of measures to increase both its store and e-commerce sales. The company is consolidating four e-commerce platforms into one, rolling out a new core site navigation system this quarter and enhancing site search.

Also in the works are an increased emphasis on web analytics and exploring new merchandising strategies such as the online printing of business cards. “We continue to believe that OfficeMax is positioned to achieve 2006 and intermediate term goals that we outlined in our turnaround plan,” says chairman and CEO Sam Duncan.