Ryman

Ryman (the stationer) is the largest British stationery retailer, historically based in London, now based in its £100m headquarters in Crewe, Cheshire.

History

Formation

It was founded in 1893 by Henry J Ryman who opened the first store on Great Portland Street, London and was successfully owned and managed by the Ryman family until the 1970s. After it was sold it had a chequered history for a couple of decades, changing hands several times and experiencing some periods of poor performance.

Theo Paphitis

Theo Paphitis, who is one of the Dragons on BBC's Dragons' Den acquired Ryman in 1995 and he has since turned it into successful and profitable retail businesses and now heads up a 350 store chain, with a group turnover of more than £250m.

Expansions and take-overs

Sponsorship

Developments by Paphitis have included sponsorship of the English football Premier Division and Division One of the Isthmian League. He introduced the 'Ryman Direct' mail order catalogue in 1996, the Ryman website in 1998, and has utilised promotional campaigns in the London press.

Takeovers

In 2001 Paphitis negotiated the acquisition of Partners chain, and in 2007 further established his presence with the purchase of 61 stores from The Stationery Box, which were consequently re-branded "Ryman" in October 2008^[1].

References

External links

• Official site