What started as a copy/binding centre and school/office supplies shop has grown and expanded its services, making it a one-stop shop. Serving the Greater Ottawa area, Laurier Office Mart’s retail business focuses on meeting (and exceeding) the printing, office supplies and FedEx shipping needs of University of Ottawa (U of O) students and faculty.

Laurier Office Mart is celebrating its 30^th anniversary, and owner/president Shahé Avedissian, says his company could not have reached this milestone without the support of its customers.

“I would like to thank our clients” he says, “but our success also would not have been possible without the support of my family. When I started, my sister was with me; later, my mother joined us. My wife has been active in the business and recently, my older son has been helping out.”

Avedissian says in addition to his family members, they have had many employees stick with the company for five-plus and 10-plus years, but their current retail manager holds the record.

“Sako Torossian has been with us for over 22 years,” says Avedissian. “I have been very lucky to have had trustworthy employees.”

Other keys to success in this competitive and evolving industry, Avedissian continues, are personal service, good employees, a prime location, and continually adding essential services, like FedEx-Authorized shipping, scanning, paper shredding, cell phone and computer repairs, key cutting, and cleaning supplies.

“In addition to online web stores and digital technology, the need for school and office supplies and printing is less now than it was 30 years ago,” says Avedissian. “We had to add services to offset losses. When we opened, we had very little commercial business; today, approximately half of our business is commercial.”

To help grow Laurier’s commercial business, Club Express has provided access to buying power through marketing materials including a flyer program, catalogues and a business-to-business web ordering system.

A characteristic that distinguishes Laurier Office Mart is its ability to be flexible. Avedissian remembers one particular print order for which the customer was unable to deliver their files until very late, but his company still fulfilled the order.

“I recall one time a commercial customer required the printing of a proposal. The originals they had to send us to print were not delivered during regular store hours and they needed it by the following day. I arranged for staff to come in after closing to finish it at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. As a result, it helped them win the contract!”

Avedissian looks forward to many more years of success and memories as Laurier Office Mart celebrates their 30-year milestone.

CONGRATULATIONS Laurier from COPA!!!