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Ryman
Ryman
Ryman
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Ryman, North End Road, Fulham, London

Key Information

Ryman, Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, 2016
Ryman, New Street, Huddersfield, 2010

Ryman is a stationery retail company with 205 outlets nationwide in the United Kingdom. The website and stores provide a wide range of stationery and office supplies for homes and businesses, with its headquarters in Crewe, Cheshire.

History

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Formation

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Henry J Ryman opened his first store as a book printer on Great Portland Street, London in 1893, that is still open today.[3] Quickly changing the focus to selling stationery, the business was successfully owned and managed by the Ryman family for several generations. Jack Ryman succeeded Henry in 1931, until he passed it on to his own sons, Desmond and Nicholas, in 1951. At the time that Desmond and Nicholas assumed control from father, the company comprised eleven shops. Expansion followed, along with the introduction of self-service counters and during their ownership, turnover rose from £250,000 to £16 million. Upon selling the company, Nicholas moved to France to become a vigneron.[4]

From 1912 to 1995, the business traded as H. J. Ryman Limited.[5]

In 1968, Ryman merged with the furniture retailer Habitat to form Ryman Conran.[6] The following year they purchased the business of Lupton Morton, who mostly supplied furniture to offices and corporations but also made pieces by other designers,[7] and in 1970, acquired the retail chain Straker-Bedser.[8]

By 1970, the turnover of the group had doubled since the merger with Habitat. However, Terence Conran was disappointed that Habitat itself had not been expanded, and offered to purchase Habitat from Ryman Conran, along with Conran Associates and the remains of Lupton Morton.

Ryman Conran, who did not highly value the Habitat chain, and apparently thought it was making a loss, agreed to the sale.[8] Ryman Conran retained Habitat's original factory in Thetford along with Conran Design Group.[9]

In 1972, the Ryman brothers sold Ryman Conran to the Burton Group for £8 million.[10] Rodney Fitch bought out Conran Design Group, renaming it Fitch & Company in the same year.[9]

During the 1970s and 1980s the business passed through several different owners,[11] including Jennifer d'Abo, who purchased the chain in 1981[12] and floated it on the Stock Exchange in 1986, and Pentos (owners of Athena and Dillons Booksellers among others),[13] who took the company private again for £20 million (double the flotation price) in 1987.[12]

After a share suspension,[14] Ryman parent company Pentos collapsed into receivership in March 1995.[15] Despite interest from former owner d'Abo and firm bids from a team of Ryman franchisees, backed by 3i, receivers KPMG struggled to generate interest in the company due to the high rents being paid by the company's high street premises.[16]

Theo Paphitis

[edit]

Theo Paphitis had been involved in the Ryman business since 1994, having had NAG Telecom concessions in larger Ryman stores. He developed a relationship with the then marketing director Malcolm Cooke, and this eventually led to Paphitis purchasing Ryman from the receivers in March 1995.[17] The purchase was made through Chancerealm Ltd (which later changed its name to Ryman Group Limited).[18]

In 1996, the Ryman Direct mail order catalogue was introduced, followed by a website in 1998. To build a national chain in the United Kingdom, in September 2001, the group acquired the stationery retailer Partners with 86 stores, and in February 2007, purchased 61 stores of Stationery Box.

The businesses and all stores were combined under a redesigned Ryman brand in October 2008, which presently comprises 210 stores with a turnover of more than £125m. In October 2016, the Theo Paphitis Retail Group purchased specialist stationery retailer London Graphics Centre, which was founded in 1973.[19]

Products

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Ryman was the first stationer to introduce the concept of colour to filing, with both cabinets and folders.[citation needed] Today, Ryman Stationery stock a wide range of inkjet cartridges, printers, pens, paper, envelopes, office essentials, filing, presentation materials, diaries and Back to School Supplies.

Sponsorship

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Ryman were sponsors of the English football Isthmian League from 1997 to 2017, which was, as of 2017, the longest running sponsorship in the history of football in the United Kingdom.[20]

They were also principal sponsors of the English Football Club, Millwall FC in the 2003-2004 season.

In addition, Ryman also sponsors cricket through the Surrey Championship.

Charity

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Ryman is an official partner of Comic Relief, raising over £5million for the charity through the sale of exclusive Comic Relief pens in its shops and online, as well as other fundraising activities.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ryman

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ryman is a British stationery and office supplies retailer founded in 1893. With over 200 stores across the and an online presence, it offers a wide range of products including , printing services, office furniture, and technology items. The company is owned by the Retail Group and headquartered in , .

Company overview

Founding and headquarters

Ryman Stationery was established in 1893 by Henry J. Ryman as a book printing and stationery business on Great Portland Street in London. The company initially focused on printing books but soon shifted its emphasis to retail sales of stationery products. The first store, which pioneered the self-service model for stationery retail, opened that same year and generated £50 in sales during its inaugural week. Early offerings centered on essential items such as pens, paper, and basic office supplies, catering to the growing demand for affordable writing and organizational materials in Victorian-era London. This flagship location remains operational today, symbolizing the company's enduring presence in the capital. Ryman's current headquarters are located at Ryman House on Savoy Road in , , serving as the central hub for administrative and distribution operations. The relocation to , a strategically central location in the UK, enhanced by streamlining and following key acquisitions in the early 2000s (circa 2001). Under the ownership of since 1995, this move supported the integration of expanded store networks and e-commerce growth.

Ownership and current status

Ryman has been owned by since its acquisition in 1995 through Chancerealm Ltd, which later became Ryman Group Limited and is now integrated into the Theo Paphitis Retail Group (TPRG). serves as the owner, Chairman, and CEO of Ryman, having returned to the CEO role in October 2022 to oversee strategic operations. As of March 2024, Ryman operated approximately 200 stores across the and employed 1,592 people. For the ended March 2024, the company generated revenue of £104.6 million, reflecting its position as a leading UK retailer of and for both home and business use.

Historical development

Early years and formation

Ryman was founded in 1893 by Henry J. Ryman, who opened the company's first store on in as a book printing business. The operation quickly shifted its focus to retailing , becoming the first self-service stationery shop in the UK and generating £50 in sales during its opening week (equivalent to approximately £8,600 as of 2025). Under the stewardship of the Ryman family, the business expanded steadily in the early , with the original location extended twice by 1912 and four additional stores acquired in various locations, bringing the total to five outlets. This period marked a transition to retail dominance, emphasizing inventory management, staff welfare initiatives such as outings and schemes, and , as documented in Henry J. Ryman's personal diaries. By 1945, the workforce had grown to 236 employees, reflecting operational scaling amid post-war recovery. A key innovation during the early years was Ryman's introduction of colored filing systems, incorporating color into both cabinets and folders to enhance organization—a concept pioneered by the company in the sector. The business continued to develop under family leadership through the mid-20th century, establishing a nationwide presence with dozens of stores across the by the 1970s. In 1972, the Ryman family sold the company to the Burton Group for £8 million, marking the end of family ownership.

Expansions and acquisitions

Under Burton's ownership through the and into the , Ryman pursued further expansions by increasing its store count and broadening its national footprint beyond to key regional markets across the . The company changed hands multiple times in the late and early —to entrepreneur Jennifer d'Abo and later Pentos—amid a challenging retail environment, setting the stage for its 1995 acquisition by . Following the 1995 ownership change, Ryman continued its growth through strategic . In 2001, it merged with Partners The Stationer, incorporating 86 additional stores and strengthening its presence in social and everyday segments. In 2007, Ryman acquired the Stationery Box chain, adding 61 outlets that were fully rebranded under the Ryman name by October 2008, further consolidating its high-street dominance. In , Ryman expanded into specialized markets by purchasing The London Graphic Centre, a retailer of and materials founded in 1973, which complemented its core offerings with professional-grade supplies for . These moves collectively boosted Ryman's scale, with post-acquisition turnover surging 125% in the year ending March 2009 due to the integration of Partners and Stationery Box, enhancing its in the UK and sector while diversifying into broader office essentials and niche products like materials.

Theo Paphitis ownership

In 1995, acquired the struggling Ryman stationery chain through his company Chancerealm Ltd (later renamed Ryman Group Ltd) from receivers for an undisclosed sum, effectively rescuing it from bankruptcy and decline. At the time, the business faced skepticism from lenders due to predictions of a "" era, but Paphitis saw potential in revitalizing the brand's heritage and customer base. Post-acquisition, Paphitis implemented key turnaround strategies, including comprehensive store refurbishments to modernize layouts while preserving the company's traditional appeal, alongside operational cost efficiencies such as streamlined supply chains and overhead reductions. He also sharpened the focus on Ryman's core and market, adapting product offerings to evolving needs—like shifting from typewriter ribbons to ink cartridges and emphasizing B2B services—while enhancing to build loyalty. Ryman was integrated into the Retail Group (TPRG), established in 2015, which fostered synergies across Paphitis's portfolio, including with —acquired in 2012—through initiatives like dual-brand stores that combined and homeware offerings in select locations. These efforts supported shared and cross-promotions, bolstering operational resilience. Under Paphitis's leadership, Ryman achieved significant milestones, expanding to over 200 stores by the early 2010s through and targeted acquisitions, such as the 2007 purchase of Stationery Box. The company also adapted to trends in the by launching an online platform, which complemented physical stores and drove multichannel sales growth.

Products and services

Stationery and office supplies

Ryman's core stationery offerings include a wide selection of writing instruments such as pens and pencils, available in various styles from basic ballpoints to premium pens. Brands like Stabilo, Sharpie, and are prominently featured, alongside Ryman's own-brand options designed for everyday use. These products emphasize affordability, with budget-friendly sets and individual items catering to students, professionals, and home users, while maintaining quality through durable materials and reliable performance. Notebooks and pads form another essential category, with popular lines like Pukka pads offering spiral-bound and options in multiple sizes for and . Paper products encompass , envelopes, and specialty sheets, sourced to support both personal and office needs. Filing systems include folders, ring binders, and storage boxes, providing efficient document solutions that have evolved from simple paper-based organizers to more robust, color-coded variants for better accessibility. Desk accessories, such as organizers, pen holders, and mats, complement these items by enhancing workspace functionality. In the office supplies domain, Ryman stocks printers from leading manufacturers, along with compatible inkjet cartridges to ensure seamless operation for home and business environments. setups are supported through ergonomic desks and modular organizers, including drawer units and tools, which facilitate productive arrangements. These offerings have transitioned from fundamental basics like and in the company's early years to branded, high-performance products that balance cost-effectiveness with superior build quality. Ryman's sourcing for these staple goods prioritizes ethical standards, with suppliers required to adhere to the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code, involving regular audits to verify compliance in labor practices and environmental impact. Partnerships focus on sustainable sourcing, such as collaborating with suppliers to produce products from recycled or sustainably managed forests, ensuring affordability without compromising on or reliability for core items.

Specialized offerings

Ryman's specialized offerings extend beyond standard stationery to include targeted products for creative professionals and learners, enhanced by strategic integrations such as the 2016 acquisition of Graphic Centre, which broadened access to high-end materials. Through the Graphic Centre, Ryman provides an extensive range of and supplies, featuring professional-grade paints, canvases, palette knives, drafting tools, and graphic materials tailored for artists, designers, and illustrators. This flagship store in serves as a central hub for creative communities, stocking specialized items like brushes and instruments that support both and workflows. In the educational domain, Ryman offers school supplies and creative kits designed to foster learning and , including activity sets for children that incorporate , materials, and interactive projects. These products, such as sets and themed kits, emphasize hands-on engagement to aid skill development in subjects like and design. Ryman has prioritized since the with eco-friendly options, including 100% recycled products that are process chlorine-free and FSC-certified for environmentally conscious and writing. The company's sustainable lineup also encompasses recycled filing solutions and storage items, reflecting a commitment to reducing environmental impact through material reuse. Custom services at select Ryman stores include professional printing, , binding, and laminating, enabling quick turnaround for personalized documents and creative outputs like posters and presentations. These in-store and online options support needs, such as same-day collection for urgent projects, enhancing accessibility for professional and educational users.

Retail operations

Physical store network

Ryman's physical store network consists of 205 locations across the as of 2025, with the majority situated in and smaller presences in and . These outlets form a key component of the company's retail strategy, emphasizing accessibility in urban and suburban areas to serve both individual consumers and businesses. The stores operate in various formats, including high-street positions, units within shopping centers, and occasional standalone buildings, allowing to diverse local environments. For instance, typical store sizes range from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet, featuring open layouts designed for easy navigation between sections for quick purchases and consultations. The network achieved national coverage through strategic expansions and acquisitions in the post-1990s era, including the purchase of 86 stores from rival Partners The Stationers in 2001 and 61 outlets from Stationery Box in 2007, which significantly broadened geographical reach. Store operations emphasize efficient staffing, with employees receiving comprehensive programs and opportunities for apprenticeships to ensure high retention and knowledgeable service. Inventory management relies on centralized systems and proactive auditing tools, such as stock audit software implemented to maintain accuracy and minimize losses across locations. Customer service policies include in-store support like and binding, alongside perks such as student discounts and for bulky items, fostering a focus on personalized assistance and convenience.

E-commerce and digital presence

Ryman's operations are centered on its , ryman.co.uk, which provides an extensive catalog of and accessible to customers across the . The platform supports key features such as next-day delivery for orders placed before certain cut-off times and free click-and-collect services from over 200 physical stores, enabling seamless integration between online browsing and in-store fulfillment. In recent years, online sales have constituted a substantial share of Ryman's total revenue, representing about 34% of the business in the 2022 fiscal year following adjustments to prioritize profitability. The company relaunched ryman.co.uk in 2020 with an expanded product range and enhanced to improve digital shopability and . Digital innovations include the introduction of the Ryman in February 2024, designed to facilitate personalized product customization, particularly for greeting cards, with options to design, order, and collect items from nearby stores. Approximately 95% of app-based transactions utilize click-and-collect, driving footfall to physical locations while supporting retail strategies. The app also incorporates loyalty features that leverage customer data for targeted engagement without relying on heavy discounting. The accelerated Ryman's shift toward digital commerce, with online sales surging 111% from 2020 to 2021 amid increased demand for essentials. This momentum contributed to a 40.8% overall turnover growth to £102.8 million in the 2021-2022 period, reflecting broader trends in consumer preference for that rose 140% since the pandemic's onset. Post-pandemic, has been part of a blended retail model, though recent strategies have reduced online sales to focus on more profitable store channels; for the fiscal year ended March 2025, total turnover was £108.9 million, with like-for-like store sales up 2.5% to £92 million. To ensure secure online transactions, Ryman adheres to PCI DSS standards for payment processing, employing SSL encryption for data transfers and anonymizing sensitive details during handling. Additional safeguards include firewalls, regular penetration testing, staff training on , and monitoring for system vulnerabilities, with customer data stored on UK/EEA servers under strict retention policies compliant with GDPR.

Corporate social responsibility

Sponsorship activities

Ryman has engaged in several high-profile sponsorships in sports and education to enhance brand visibility and foster community ties. From 1997 to 2017, the company served as the title sponsor of the , a prominent competition in , marking the longest such partnership in the league's history and supporting grassroots football across multiple divisions. In addition, Ryman acted as the kit sponsor for during the 2003-2004 season, coinciding with the club's run to the and providing exposure to a broader football audience. These initiatives, initiated under owner , aimed to leverage sports' community appeal for brand promotion. In the educational sphere, Ryman has been the headline sponsor of the National Enterprise Challenge since 2014, the UK's largest school-based enterprise competition involving over 60,000 students from more than 200 secondary schools annually. The program challenged participants to develop business ideas, promoting skills like and to prepare young people for the , thereby targeting demographics and encouraging entrepreneurial mindsets among schoolchildren. These sponsorships aligned with Ryman's broader goals of community engagement and appealing to younger audiences through accessible, skill-building activities in sports and education. Ryman continues involvement in initiatives like the National Enterprise Challenge, alongside smaller-scale local events to sustain targeted community involvement.

Charitable initiatives

Ryman has maintained a longstanding partnership with , beginning in 2009, through which the company, alongside , has raised almost £4.7 million (as of 2020) via exclusive merchandise sales, such as character pens, and in-store fundraising events. This collaboration supports 's efforts to address and social injustice in the UK and globally, with Ryman's contributions channeled through Red Nose Day initiatives. , Ryman's owner, served as a director of from 2012 to 2018, further strengthening the ties during this period. In parallel, Ryman supported , another initiative focused on sports-based for vulnerable communities, with contributions reaching approximately £2.4 million by 2016 through similar product sales and employee-driven activities. activities largely ceased after 2020, with efforts integrated into broader . These efforts include employee-led events like car washes and challenges, which have bolstered the overall for both and . Ryman actively backs the Theo Paphitis Charitable Trust, established in 2009, which provides grants to UK-based charities emphasizing children's causes, , disabilities, and . The Trust, funded by Paphitis's earnings from television appearances, speeches, and related activities, has distributed nearly £1 million in donations as of 2020, with Ryman facilitating employee volunteering and participation in events such as clay pigeon shoots and mountain climbs that generate additional funds. Examples include a 2023 Snowdon ascent by Ryman staff that raised over £6,000 for children's charities supported by the Trust. Beyond these core partnerships, Ryman's charitable impact is amplified through employee-initiated fundraising for local causes, often matched or supported by the company, contributing to beneficiary organizations like Starlight Children's Foundation and OnSide Youth Zones. Annual reports from the detail the allocation of funds, highlighting grants to smaller charities that struggle to secure traditional funding, thereby measuring the tangible outcomes of Ryman's involvement. As of 2025, Ryman continues to focus on these established charitable partnerships without major new initiatives reported.

References

  1. https://www.ryman.co.uk/about-us
  2. https://www.ryman.co.uk/blog/ryman-through-the-years
  3. https://www.ryman.co.uk/history-of-ryman
  4. https://www.tprg.com/Ryman
  5. https://www.retail-week.com/strong-website-helps-ryman-bounce-back/5035094.article
  6. https://www.tprg.com/theo-paphitis-retail-group/2025/4/2/trading-update-theo-paphitis-retail-group-year-end-march-2024-amp-2025-overview
  7. https://pomanda.com/company/03007166/ryman-limited
  8. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ryman-king-of-wine-goes-bottoms-up-1070453.html
  9. https://www.retail-week.com/general-merchandise/theo-paphitiss-ryman-acquires-specialist-london-graphic-centre/7012604.article
  10. https://www.retail-week.com/store-acquisitions-send-ryman-profits-rising-/5010103.article
  11. https://www.theopaphitis.com/my-blog/theo-paphitis-on-125-years-of-ryman
  12. https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2017/05/big-interview-theo-paphitis/
  13. https://www.opi.net/magazines/archive/2019/may-2019/top-picks-may-2019/big-interview-retail-rejuvenated/
  14. https://workplace360.co.uk/in-conversation-with-theo-paphitis/
  15. https://www.theopaphitis.com/about
  16. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/jul/10/theo-paphitis-buys-robert-dyas
  17. https://www.ryman.co.uk/stationery
  18. https://www.ryman.co.uk/office-supplies
  19. https://www.ryman.co.uk/environment
  20. https://www.opi.net/news/region/002-europe/ryman-acquires-london-graphic-centre/
  21. https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/
  22. https://www.tprg.com/london-graphic-centre
  23. https://www.ryman.co.uk/shop/kids-activity-kits
  24. https://www.ryman.co.uk/shop/recycled-paper
  25. https://www.ryman.co.uk/services
  26. https://www.ryman.co.uk/personalised
  27. https://www.insider.co.uk/news/stationer-ryman-takes-2500-sq-9870602
  28. https://www.itpro.com/605409/ryman-tackles-loss-with-stock-audit-software
  29. https://www.pgbuzz.net/ryman-improves-profitability/
  30. https://www.ryman.co.uk/delivery-options
  31. https://www.theretailbulletin.com/general-merchandise/ryman-launches-new-app-with-aim-of-disrupting-online-greeting-cards-sector-02-02-2024/
  32. https://powercommerce.com/blogs/ecommerce-hub/theo-paphitis-highlights-rymans-tech-driven-recovery-and-the-future-of-the-high-street-at-rts-2025
  33. https://workplace360.co.uk/ryman-reports-results-improvements/
  34. https://www.ryman.co.uk/privacy-policy
  35. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4135702/Ryman-s-20-year-sponsorship-deal-Isthmian-League-ends.html
  36. https://www.fchd.info/lghist/isth.htm
  37. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/millwall-fc-sponsor-history/
  38. https://www.warwickschool.org/news/?pid=84&nid=1027&storyid=2528
  39. https://www.ryman.co.uk/charity
  40. https://www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/news/ryman-stationery-based-at-intu-eldon-square-newcastle-is-helping-to-raise-funds-for-sport-relief
  41. https://retailtimes.co.uk/ryman-raises-over-6000-for-childrens-charity-with-snowdon-climb/
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