uk.superbrands.com Superbrands UK Vol. 23 2023 marks 130 years since the opening of the first Ryman store on Great Portland Street, London, by Henry J Ryman. Famous for customer service, Ryman is the leading stationery specialist on the high street, offering an extensive range, key services, expert advice and value for money via its stores and website Market Since its opening in 1893, Ryman has had a history of product innovation and customer service. The epitome of ‘multi-channel’, Ryman combines a strong high street presence with a website, offering a large extended range. Ryman’s core product range and multi-channel approach is further enhanced by in-store services and partnerships with DHL (international courier service) as well as Western Union (international money transfer service) and by a variety of other services including photocopying, printing, design, binding and personalisation of products such as notebooks and pens. These additional services allow Ryman to be innovative whilst ensuring that it is meeting the ever-changing requirements of its individual customers. The breadth of Ryman’s range and the wide appeal of stationery, fashion stationery and office supplies (for the office and home) means that Ryman has a significant and growing number of competitors. These range from traditional stationery retailers and emerging fashion stationery retailers to supermarkets and discounters who have broadened their range. Despite this competitive landscape Ryman continues to invest in its products and services enabling the brand to continue to stand out as a leader in the field. Ryman has updated its product portfolio in line with the introduction of home working and new ways of life, ensuring that the brand is front of mind for customers. Ryman recognises that businesses of all sizes represent an important proportion of its customer base and has a tailored offer to suit their needs. Small businesses can register for an in-store discount card to help them save on business essentials. For larger businesses, a dedicated Ryman Business Account team provides a personally managed credit account with free next-day delivery and a bespoke price list on an enhanced range of products designed to suit business needs. This range has grown significantly, and Ryman now offers a full-service solution including cleaning products and refreshments as well as office furniture, bulk deals on paper, and large format print, supported by an improved dedicated Business website, launched in 2020. 2016 saw Ryman build on the success of its Business Accounts by moving into the education sector with the introduction of Ryman Education. It has given schools, colleges and universities access to an enhanced range of stationery products with credit facilities and discounts for bulk orders. For the past 10 years Ryman has also supported #SBS, Small Business Sunday. #SBS is one of the leading small business networks in the UK with over 3,500 active members. Each week, Theo Paphitis welcomes six small businesses who either tweet him, or comment /post an image to @TheoPaphitis on Instagram while describing their business and using the hashtag #SBS. Product Ryman constantly adapts its range to ensure it remains relevant with customers, with products across categories including stationery and office supplies, office furniture and accessories, tech, gaming and the recently introduced own brand craft and art offering. Ryman’s expanded storage range has proven popular with customers, as they look to declutter and organise their homes. In addition to fantastic products, the knowledgeable teams at Ryman offer a wide range of services including product personalisation, print and design services, DHL and Western Union money transfer service. Working with all of the best known brands in the stationery and office supplies sector including HP, Epson, STAEDTLER, Newell and more, Ryman has recently introduced further premium brands to the range, such as Moleskine and Leuchtturm, to give customers options across multiple price and quality points. Ryman has a large own-label range across many of its categories, which is renowned for its high quality and value for money. This reputation has led to strong sales growth in own label products which now represent a significant percentage of Ryman’s overall sales. Achievements 2021 saw the opening of Ryman’s first dual store with Robert Dyas. Following the successful launch, Ryman has now also opened dual stores in a further seven locations, all of which are proving popular with customers. The dual stores give customers the opportunity to shop both brands and services under one roof. To date Ryman has recycled 1,605,596 pens and 26,246 ink cartridges via its in-store programme. Customers can return their pens and empty cartridges in any of Ryman’s 180+ stores. Ink and toner cartridge recycling is also available in all Ryman stores and customers are provided with a 50p discount for each cartridge There’s still a Ryman store trading on Great Portland Street, 130 years after Henry J Ryman opened the first store there DID YOU KNOW?
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