Kinko's was founded in 1970 in Santa Barbara, California as a tiny copy service and stationery supply store focused on retail, small-business and home-business customers. But as its business grew, Kinko's customer base shifted from mostly academics to a broad range of personal and business customers. In response, the company expanded its services and markets. By the mid-1990s, Kinko's had grown dramatically to more than 800 stores through the formation of S-corporations.

In 2000, the company embarked on a strategic initiative to leverage the scale of the Kinko's network to maximize efficiencies, increase productivity, enhance profitability and drive earnings growth. FedEx acquired Kinko's in February 2004. Two months later, Kinko's was rebranded as FedEx Kinko's Office and Print Services.

In June 2008, the operating company changed its name to FedEx Office to better reflect the service and product offerings.