Kinko

Kinko is a term that can refer to several unrelated uses, but it is most widely associated with a former chain of copying and printing shops in the United States. Kinko’s operated as a nationwide network offering services such as photocopying, printing, binding, packaging supplies, and shipping. The brand became well known for its extended hours and one-stop document services, appealing to students, small businesses, and professionals.

The chain was founded in the 1970s in Santa Barbara, California, by Paul Orfalea. The name Kinko’s is commonly reported to have originated from the founder’s nickname, which became the brand’s recognizable identity. Over time, the company expanded beyond its original California base and built a large storefront presence across the country.

In 2004, FedEx acquired Kinko’s to enhance its own shipping and business-services network. Following the acquisition, the stores were gradually rebranded to reflect the FedEx corporate identity, with most locations operating as FedEx Office in the late 2000s and onward. The transition integrated printing, copying, and shipping services under the FedEx Office umbrella, while maintaining many of the original store formats and service lines.

Beyond the brand, Kinko can also be used as a personal name or surname in East Asian contexts, or as a romanization of various kanji readings. As a result, the term may appear in historical records, contemporary names, or fictional works, depending on language and culture. The most prominent contemporary reference remains the former Kinko’s chain and its legacy within the FedEx Office network.