|
|
Sponsor Spotlight - December 2017
|
With a large new location, an expanded printing department, a new website and promotional product offerings and an expanded showroom of more than 2,000 products stocked in-house, S&L Office Supply is growing with a mission in mind: to become the one-stop-shop for local businesses.
- by Ellis Anderson
- by Ellis Anderson
Chris Cochran (far right) and the S&L crew
S&L Office Supply
1201 Highway 90
Bay St. Louis
228-467-0002
Mon. - Fri., 8am - 5pm, Saturday, 10am - 2pm
1201 Highway 90
Bay St. Louis
228-467-0002
Mon. - Fri., 8am - 5pm, Saturday, 10am - 2pm
|
New is always the operative word at S&L Office Supply. In fact, between expansions in size, increased services and additional product offerings, the business is barely recognizable as the tiny operation owner Chris Cochran purchased five years ago.
The business has moved twice in those years. When Cochran took the helm, S&L was tucked into a small strip mall on Highway 603. Then it quickly outgrew a new Highway 90 location. In 2016, Cochran purchased an 8,000-square-foot building in a high profile location across from the Bay St. Louis post office. After a top to bottom rebuild, S&L moved in at the first of the year. Walk-in traffic immediately tripled from the increased visibility. And the new digs have allowed for Cochran to put other elements of his long-range plans in action. |
Sponsor Spotlight
|
For instance, the printing department has had room to spread out. Higher end machinery has doubled output capabilities and allows for printing of everything from flyers to brochures to invitations. Large format printers can handle blueprints and plans. Same day printing is available, and there’s never any additional charge for a rush job.
Another big “new” for S&L this year: they’re now printing outdoor banners, yard signs and even vinyl decals. All of it is done in-house with personal attention from Cochran and his staff.
“We are focused on developing products and services that customers can use to promote their own businesses and functions,” says Cochran. “We want to be a one-stop-shop for every local business.”
“We are focused on developing products and services that customers can use to promote their own businesses and functions,” says Cochran. “We want to be a one-stop-shop for every local business.”
That focus has led to another expansion – promotional products. Anything that can be printed with a company logo is fair game. Think jump drives and pens and coffee mug and mouse pads. And more. A million more.
Cochran says that they’ve become members of Advertising Specialty Institute, which allows S&L to offer that incredible array of products to their local customers – all at “super” wholesale pricing.
But since a million choices can be overwhelming, S&L will assist in narrowing down the selection to work with a customer’s budget. They then make a mock-up of the item, so the customer can see a photo of what the product will look like – before they order.
Cochran says that they’ve become members of Advertising Specialty Institute, which allows S&L to offer that incredible array of products to their local customers – all at “super” wholesale pricing.
But since a million choices can be overwhelming, S&L will assist in narrowing down the selection to work with a customer’s budget. They then make a mock-up of the item, so the customer can see a photo of what the product will look like – before they order.
Providing janitorial supplies and restaurant products now is another way S&L is simplifying the life of their customers.
“During 2018, that’s going to be one of our biggest pushes,” Cochran says. “We’ll have everything from paper towels to toilet paper to hand soap. Anything that a business or restaurant goes through on a regular basis. Now, instead of having to travel to buying-club stores to save money, they’ll be able to buy bulk products here in Hancock County.”
“Our prices are right in line with the shopping club prices, but you don’t have to take time out of your day or send an employee to make a 50-mile round trip,” Cochran explains. “Plus, we offer local delivery.”
The S&L showroom will soon display popular sanitation, janitorial and paper products that are sold in bulk and kept in-stock. Shoppers can check out the samples, order at the desk and have the products loaded in their cars.
To save even more time, customers can now order from S&L’s website, which is – you guessed it – new.
“During 2018, that’s going to be one of our biggest pushes,” Cochran says. “We’ll have everything from paper towels to toilet paper to hand soap. Anything that a business or restaurant goes through on a regular basis. Now, instead of having to travel to buying-club stores to save money, they’ll be able to buy bulk products here in Hancock County.”
“Our prices are right in line with the shopping club prices, but you don’t have to take time out of your day or send an employee to make a 50-mile round trip,” Cochran explains. “Plus, we offer local delivery.”
The S&L showroom will soon display popular sanitation, janitorial and paper products that are sold in bulk and kept in-stock. Shoppers can check out the samples, order at the desk and have the products loaded in their cars.
To save even more time, customers can now order from S&L’s website, which is – you guessed it – new.
Launched the last week in November, the website allows customers to order print jobs, janitorial supplies, promotional items and more than 40,000 different office products. Customers can ask that the items be available for pick-up or delivered.
To speed up things even more, the new website shopping area has a “Quick Picks” section. Two thousand-plus popular items under “Quick Picks” are already in stock and can be picked up immediately.
“Chances are, we’ll have the product you’re looking for,” says Cochran. “If you order and pay for the products online, you can just drive up, we’ll put it in your car and you can go.”
There are even more perks for commercial customers – those businesses with a commercial location and regular business hours. Cochran says that qualified customers get additional discounts on the products they order most. Net 30 billing is also offered, as is free delivery with no minimum order (contact Chris to see about becoming a qualified commercial customer).
While Cochran’s strategy has been to build a loyal local customer base, he’s now winning new ones from Picayune, Slidell, and Gulfport.
Cochran says people are willing to make the drive “because we offer that one-stop shopping - with prices competitive to what they’re getting online. They also love the service here. They’re able to talk to someone who really knows their stuff and will take the time to learn their needs.”
He continues. “We’re growing fast because we have one thing in mind: we want to supply everything you need to promote your business and run your day-to-day operations, without having to leave Hancock County.”
To speed up things even more, the new website shopping area has a “Quick Picks” section. Two thousand-plus popular items under “Quick Picks” are already in stock and can be picked up immediately.
“Chances are, we’ll have the product you’re looking for,” says Cochran. “If you order and pay for the products online, you can just drive up, we’ll put it in your car and you can go.”
There are even more perks for commercial customers – those businesses with a commercial location and regular business hours. Cochran says that qualified customers get additional discounts on the products they order most. Net 30 billing is also offered, as is free delivery with no minimum order (contact Chris to see about becoming a qualified commercial customer).
While Cochran’s strategy has been to build a loyal local customer base, he’s now winning new ones from Picayune, Slidell, and Gulfport.
Cochran says people are willing to make the drive “because we offer that one-stop shopping - with prices competitive to what they’re getting online. They also love the service here. They’re able to talk to someone who really knows their stuff and will take the time to learn their needs.”
He continues. “We’re growing fast because we have one thing in mind: we want to supply everything you need to promote your business and run your day-to-day operations, without having to leave Hancock County.”
Click here to find out more about S&L's unique program that turns empty ink cartridges into cash for local charities!
