Wesfarmers adds the Anko sparkle to stationery and office tech.

 

Officeworks is accelerating its shift toward more own-label products under new managing director John Gualtieri, the former boss of Kmart.

 

Officeworks is now transitioning away from many third-party brands in favour of developing its own house branded range — a move that has contributed to restructuring within its supplier base and the departure of several senior managers, according to a report in Channel News

 

Anko is the flagship private-label brand of Kmart Australia and Target Australia — and soon Officeworks — as Wesfarmers works to reduce reliance on distributors and external suppliers

 

Approximately 85 per cent of all Kmart products are now Anko-labelled, according to Channel News’ David Richards.

 

“What began as a unifying internal brand has evolved into the core of Kmart’s merchandise strategy, enabling tight control over product design, supplier relationships, pricing and margins,” he said.

 

The Anko brand spans a wide range of non-food categories including homewares, kitchenware, toys, apparel, linen, small furniture, stationery and soon consumer electronics.

 

Wesfarmers’ faith in the Anko brand is reflected in its collaboration with Philippine retail giant Ayala, which recently opened its fifth standalone Anko store in South-East Asia.

 

Ayala plans to operate 10 Anko stores in the capital by the end of 2026, according to Nikkei Asia.