Smead has been around since 1906, shaping how offices organize documents for generations. From inventing the bandless file system to producing military-grade products during World War II, the company built its reputation on durability and innovation.

TOPS Products brings an equally deep history, with roots dating back to 1870 and a strong focus on creating tools that improve productivity and organization.

Put them together, and you get a combined force that blends tradition with scale. Not exactly subtle.

Why This Acquisition Matters

This move strengthens TOPS’ position as a leader in North American office solutions while giving Smead access to a larger distribution network and operational infrastructure.

In plain terms, it means more reach, more efficiency, and likely more product innovation. The combined company can now offer a broader portfolio of organizational tools while maintaining the quality both brands are known for.

There’s also a strategic layer most people ignore. Smead’s extensive patent and trademark portfolio adds real value. We’re talking decades of protected product innovation and brand equity, which gives TOPS a competitive edge that isn’t easy to replicate.

So no, this isn’t just about folders. It’s about owning the ideas behind them.

What It Means for the Industry

This acquisition reflects a larger trend. Consolidation. Fewer, stronger players controlling more of the market.

By combining resources, manufacturing capabilities, and product lines, TOPS and Smead are positioning themselves to meet evolving workplace demands. That includes hybrid work environments, increased demand for efficiency, and a growing expectation for well-designed, functional products.

Being both a Smead and now a TOPS dealership means we can continue delivering our conversion services with trusted, high-quality products behind every solution. It strengthens our ability to support customers with reliable systems while expanding the range of tools and services we offer.

The discontinuation of Smead’s ColorBar Express software, labels and support will leave many users in a difficult situation requiring a Smead ColorBar Express Replacement.

Smead ColorBar Software was a digital tool developed by Smead, a company known for its office supplies and organizational products. ColorBar Express was designed to help users efficiently create color-coded labels for their filing systems.

Smead ColorBar Replacement!

We offer the software, labels and the ability to convert/match existing Colorbar Label designs into Virtual Labels designs. The ability for you to use your existing Smead label stock in Virtual Labels. This saves you from having to waste your existing label stock and buy new labels.

Virtual Labels is an excellent replacement as it allows you to create side, end and top tab folder labels. It provides the best visual identification and organization of files and documents. Users can input text, select the desired colors and design the layout of the labels according to their preferences. The label design capabilities are unlimited.

Let us help you compare features, ratings, pricing, and more from Smead ColorBar competitors and alternatives in order to make an informed decision for your business.

The discontinuation of Smead’s ColorBar Express software, labels and support will leave many users in a difficult situation requiring a Smead ColorBar Express Alternative.

Smead ColorBar Software was a digital tool developed by Smead, a company known for its office supplies and organizational products. ColorBar Express was designed to help users efficiently create color-coded labels for their filing systems.

Smead ColorBar Alternative!

We offer the software, labels and the ability to convert/match existing Colorbar Label designs into Virtual Labels designs. The ability for you to use your existing Smead label stock in Virtual Labels. This saves you from having to waste your existing label stock and buy new labels.

Virtual Labels is an excellent alternative as it allows you to create side, end and top tab folder labels. It provides the best visual identification and organization of files and documents. Users can input text, select the desired colors and design the layout of the labels according to their preferences. The label design capabilities are unlimited.

Let us help you compare features, ratings, pricing, and more from Smead ColorBar competitors and alternatives in order to make an informed decision for your business.

Virtual Labels Guide

Smead ColorBar Software will be discontinued as of July 1, 2023.

Our Virtual Labels Software is the best replacement software for Smead’s ColorBar Express!

The discontinuation of Smead’s ColorBar Software, labels and support will leave many users in a difficult situation requiring a Smead ColorBar Express Alternative.

Smead ColorBar Software was a digital tool developed by Smead, a company known for its office supplies and organizational products. ColorBar Express was designed to help users efficiently create color-coded labels for their filing systems.

We offer the software, labels and the ability to convert/match existing Colorbar Label designs into Virtual Labels designs. ASAP!

Our Virtual Labels Software is an excellent alternative as it allows you to print side, end and top tab folder labels. It provides the best visual identification and organization of files and documents. Users can input text, select the desired colors and design the layout of the labels according to their preferences. The label design capabilities are unlimited.

Let us help you compare features, ratings, pricing, and more from Smead ColorBar competitors and alternatives in order to make an informed decision for your business.

Smead ColorBar Software will be discontinued as of July 1, 2023.

The discontinuation of Smead’s ColorBar Express software, labels and support will leave many users in a difficult situation requiring a Smead ColorBar Express Alternative.

Smead ColorBar Software was a digital tool developed by Smead, a company known for its office supplies and organizational products. ColorBar Express was designed to help users efficiently create color-coded labels for their filing systems.

Smead ColorBar Express Alternative!

We offer the software, labels and the ability to convert/match existing Colorbar Label designs into Virtual Labels designs. ASAP!

Virtual Labels is an excellent alternative as it allows you to create side, end and top tab folder labels. It provides the best visual identification and organization of files and documents. Users can input text, select the desired colors and design the layout of the labels according to their preferences. The label design capabilities are unlimited.

Let us help you compare features, ratings, pricing, and more from Smead ColorBar competitors and alternatives in order to make an informed decision for your business.

Smead ColorBar Software will be discontinued as of July 1, 2023.

The discontinuation of Smead’s ColorBar software, labels and support will leave many users in a difficult situation.

Smead ColorBar Software was a digital tool developed by Smead, a company known for its office supplies and organizational products. ColorBar Express was designed to help users efficiently create color-coded labels for their filing systems.

Let us help you find an alternative!

We offer the software, labels and the ability to convert/match existing Colorbar Label designs into Virtual Labels designs. ASAP!

Virtual Labels is an excellent alternative as it allows you to create side, end and top tab folder labels. It provides the best visual identification and organization of files and documents. Users can input text, select the desired colors and design the layout of the labels according to their preferences. The label design capabilities are unlimited.

Let us help you compare features, ratings, pricing, and more from Smead ColorBar competitors and alternatives in order to make an informed decision for your business.