12.14.18 – CEPro – Jason Knott
It looks like big retail is getting much more interested in custom installation. Office Depot, Inc. (NASDAQ:ODP), with 1,400 retail locations and a thriving e-commerce website, is the latest to enter the fray with its announcement it is now a certified installation partner for Google and Nest smart home devices via its new Workonomy Tech Services division.
This means customers can buy Google Home Minis and Nest cameras, thermostats and more from Office Depot, and also have them installed and connected to other smart home devices as well. As a Nest Pro Partner, Office Depot’s Workonomy Tech Services can install a single device or integrate several smart devices, creating a secure integrated smart home or office.
“This is a collaboration we’re excited to be a part of and see major future benefit as we continue expanding our service offerings,” says Janet Schijns, chief services and solutions officer for Office Depot, Inc.
“As a Nest Pro Partner, we are offering smart home consultation and installation services across our approximately 1,400 retail locations and e-commerce site, bringing the benefits of these smart devices to our business customers in an efficient, safe and secure way. We want to free up more of our customers’ time so they can focus on their lives and their business, not setting up secure networks and reading installation manuals.”
Office Depot’s CompuCom subsidiary will leverage its technicians to offer installation services of Nest and Google smart devices.
According to a press release, Google provides Office Depot’s tech experts with “exclusive training, tools and live VIP support, ensuring that every Office Depot customer gets their smart home or office service from the best trained professionals.”
Office Depot’s new smart home and office installation services start at $99, however, during the month of December only, the company is offering all customers $20 off in-home or in-office installations.
Jason has covered low-voltage electronics as an editor since 1990. He joined EH Publishing in 2000, and before that served as publisher and editor of Security Sales, a leading magazine for the security industry. He served as chairman of the Security Industry Association’s Education Committee from 2000-2004 and sat on the board of that association from 1998-2002. He is also a former board member of the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation. He is currently a member of the CEDIA Education Action Team for Electronic Systems Business. Jason graduated from the University of Southern California. Have a suggestion or a topic you want to read more about? Email Jason at jknott@ehpub.com