Arlington, Va. — Vendors aren’t the only companies to win International CES Innovations awards.
Office Depot, the office supply retail chain, was named a 2008 awards honoree by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) within the computer accessories category for its Burrito cable management tool. CEA described the product as “an innovative solution that helps organize your work-space by harnessing and shortening excess cable length.” The Burrito was designed in-house at Office Depot by the company’s private brand product team.
Equipped with two suction cups, a magnet and a Velcro strip, the product securely holds loose cables against any surface, including wood, metal, plastic and glass, and can be used with computer peripherals and electronic devices. The Burrito will be sold under Office Depot’s private-label Ativa brand beginning early next year.
“Office Depot is thrilled to be recognized as an honoree for the CES Best of Innovations Award in this very important category,” said Tony Ueber, the retailer’s private-brand senior VP. “This unique and innovative product is a true testament to the hard work of the Office Depot team and another milestone for the company in the category of private brand products.”
The annual honor, sponsored by the CEA and endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America, highlights product advancements in technology design and engineering. Selections are made by a panel of prominent industry designers, engineers and trade journalists based on user value, aesthetics, innovative design, quality and contributions to the quality of life.
During the 2008 International CES, the Burrito will be featured in a special display at the Innovations Plus showcase at Booth No. 70621 in the Sands Expo and Convention Center.
Office Depot isn’t the first retailer to receive a CES Innovations award. According to CEA, RadioShack won twice, in 2006 and 2005, and Best Buy shared an award in 2002 with Key Digital Systems.