FedEx Kinko’s to expand its operations

This way it can better provide access to small businesses and traveling professionals.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — FedEx Kinko’s, a unit of package-delivery company FedEx Corp., announced on Monday it plans to expand its operations throughout fiscal 2008 by adding 300 new U.S. office and print centers.

The company also said it would redesign 110 existing centers and introduce 20 new locations internationally — primarily in the Asia-Pacific region, due to increased demand.

FedEx Kinko’s currently has more than 1,700 U.S. locations in operation. FedEx is based in Memphis, while FedEx Kinko’s has headquarters in Dallas.

The stores set to be redesigned, which range from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet, will house more than 2,500 different office supplies. The locations also will have enhanced areas for shipping, computer rental and Internet services.

There will be 12 stores in China, four in Japan, two in Korea, one in Australia and one in Canada. The company currently has 159 international stores.

The new U.S. locations will use a small-format design, with stores averaging about 1,800 square feet and carrying more than 700 different office products.

The company says the changes are part of its overall plan to provide small businesses and traveling professionals with greater access to the company’s office and print services and the FedEx transportation network.

“With our strategic expansion efforts, we are opening the equivalent of one new FedEx Kinko’s location every business day over the 2008 fiscal year,” said Ken May, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Kinko’s.