Securing Major Distributors in the Benelux and the UK for a US Stationery Supplier

     
    After meeting the US stationery manufacturer at Ambiente in January 2023, they recognized the potential of expanding into the European stationery and gift market. It became evident that they required a European Business Development partner to explore the opportunities this market offers. EuroDev provides a four-month introduction program designed to help North American companies adapt to Europe.
    This case study highlights how EuroDev assisted one of the largest stationery manufacturers in the USA and Canada in securing major distributors in Benelux and the UK.
    Retail & E-commerce in Europe

    About our Partner

     

    The US stationery manufacturer enriches lives with imaginative gifts that inspire appreciation, celebration, and organization. For 23 years, they have led the gift, stationery, and home decor industry, offering trend-right designs, superior quality, and surprising value at competitive prices. As a family-owned business based in Brooklyn, NY, they take pride in creating original products that spark joy.

     
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    Problem Identification and Objectives

     

    After dominating the stationery market in the USA and Canada for over two decades, the US stationery manufacturer decided to expand into Europe. However, they faced challenges due to a lack of knowledge about the European market, language barriers, and the complexities of operating across different time zones. Additionally, their existing small distributor in the UK demanded more attention than they could provide. To overcome these obstacles, they sought a partner who could guide them through the European market, manage distributor relationships, and build a strong pipeline for growth.

     

    Our objectives included but were not limited to; 

    1. 1
      Conduct market research to understand Europe's stationery market.
    2. 2
      Build and manage relationships with major European distributors.
    3. 3
      Overcome operational challenges, including language and time zones.

    Key Milestones

     

    After finalizing the market research on the European stationery and gift market, we participated in three key tradeshows focused on introducing our brand and products to the European market. Further, the EuroDev business development team successfully signed two big distributors—one in the UK and another in Benelux. 

    selling stationery in europe

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    Edward Nijland

    Chief Operations Officer | Co-owner