Big Box Stores changing concept

Not happening here yet in Hawaii, but mainland big box stores are already changing their business concept to stay in business than closing its doors.

During the current economic downturn, as many companies are closing stores and cutting costs, it might seem counterintuitive to be opening new stores.

Not here in Bothell, around 20 miles northeast of Seattle, where in January, OfficeMax opened one of its three new concept stores in the Seattle area that offer a pared-down selection of its most popular products. Each of the new stores, called Ink Paper Scissors, covers only 2,000 square feet — about a ninth the size of a typical OfficeMax — and offers basics like copy-making supplies and printer-cartridge refills.

Retailers like OfficeMax are opening scaled-down versions of their stores or inventing outlets entirely to test new concepts without a hefty investment. The stores are a relatively safe bet despite the recession because the space is cheaper and the stores require less inventory, fewer employees and smaller spaces.

(Via New York Times)