A longtime fixture in office supply in Winchester will close its doors today following a merger with a Lexington company.

Rees Office Products, 514 W. Lexington Ave., has announced a merger with Hurst Office Suppliers Inc., a Lexington-based office supply and furniture dealer.

Rees has a rich history in the community as a family business, according to owner Marjorie Rees Beach.

“My parents started Rees Printing Company in 1946,” she said. “In 1982, my husband (Rick Beach) and I bought the supply portion of the business, and we have owned it since.”

The purchase made Marjorie one of the few women business owners at the time.

“Now it’s not uncommon for a woman to be a business owner, but back then it was considered unusual,” Rick said. “It was very bold.”

Through it all, Marjorie said the company was blessed with tremendous support from loyal clients in the community.

During the tenure of her ownership, Marjorie and Rick have worked with several companies both locally and in the Bluegrass region to help furnish working office spaces for employees.

Locally, their clients have included Infiltrator Systems, Winchester Federal Bank, the Clark County Health Department and The Greater Clark Foundation just to name a few. Regionally they have worked with several large companies like Whitaker Bank.

The business grew under Marjorie’s leadership as well, ending its operation with an average of $1 million in sales annually.

Throughout that time, Rees Office Products continued to operate as a family business, Marjorie said. Two of her brothers worked for her for some time, as well as her children.

The business also employed people outside the family, and Rick said he enjoyed being able to create opportunities for people to earn a living for themselves and their loved ones.

Following the merger, Rees’ Winchester office will close and Marjorie said she will embark on a welcome retirement.

“I’m hoping to spend more time with my grandchildren and my friends, and I’d like to do a little traveling, but mostly I’m looking forward to relaxing,” Marjorie said.

Rick said he will remain with Hurst and will continue to work with local and regional clients. Additionally, the company’s driver, Joel Houtz, will continue working as an employee of Hurst.