Staples

Staples Competitive Intelligence & Landscape

staples.com ·

Overview

Staples Overview

Staples (staples.com) is a prominent retailer and solutions provider specializing in workspace products and services, aiming to keep teams productive, connected, and inspired. The company has been an industry leader for over 35 years, offering an extensive range of items including office supplies, furniture, technology, cleaning products, school supplies, and printing services.

Staples caters to both individual consumers and businesses, providing solutions to navigate the evolving world of work.

Staples' core products and services encompass a wide variety, from everyday office essentials like paper, ink, and toner, to more specialized offerings such as custom print banners, document printing, and school technology. The company also features its own family of brands, including Staples Brand Products, TRU RED, Perk, and Union & Scale Furniture, which deliver trusted quality across various categories.

Staples provides numerous services designed for convenience, such as in-store pickup, AutoRestock subscriptions, and a comprehensive Help Center for customer support.

The target market for Staples includes individual consumers shopping for school or home office supplies, as well as small to large businesses seeking comprehensive solutions for their workspaces. The company emphasizes customer support with thousands of experts available and offers a free Staples Business account to facilitate easier workday management with everyday low pricing and digital tools.

Staples' mission revolves around delivering for customers, keeping things simple, getting things done, and winning together, demonstrating expertise in the customers’ world of work.

While specific founding year, company size, and revenue figures are not explicitly stated on staples.com, the company has been an industry leader for over 35 years. Its corporate headquarters are located at 500 Staples Drive, Framingham, MA 01702 [source].

Staples operates multiple business segments to support customer needs, including its main retail and online operations, and emphasizes a culture of collaboration, growth, and teamwork.

Staples' value proposition is centered on providing comprehensive solutions and expert guidance to help customers succeed in a changing work landscape. The company continuously strives to make shopping easier and more rewarding, as evidenced by features like its mobile app, which offers faster access to deals and enhanced shopping experiences [source]. This commitment extends to their corporate social responsibility, integrating it into their business strategy and culture to positively impact their people, planet, and communities [source].

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Competitors

Staples Competitors

One of Staples' primary direct competitors is The ODP Group, which includes Office Depot.

The ODP Group is a specialty retailer in the office supplies sector, providing a wide array of products and services through an omnichannel platform for small businesses, home offices, and educational institutions [https://www.cbinsights.com/company/staples/alternatives-competitors]. Both Staples and Office Depot directly compete in offering office supplies, furniture, technology, and business services to similar customer segments [https://sizethemarket.com/competitors/staples--com].

Amazon is a significant indirect competitor for Staples. As a global e-commerce giant, Amazon offers a vast range of products, including office supplies, electronics, and business services, directly challenging Staples' product assortment and online presence [https://sizethemarket.com/competitors/staples--com]. While Staples focuses on providing an extensive assortment of essential office supplies and workplace solutions [https://staples.com/], Amazon's broader product catalog and competitive pricing can draw customers away.

Another major indirect competitor is Walmart.

Walmart is a large retail corporation that provides a wide range of products, including office supplies, electronics, and general merchandise [https://sizethemarket.com/competitors/staples--com]. Similar to Amazon, Walmart's extensive product offerings and often lower prices make it a strong contender for consumers seeking office products, contrasting with Staples' more specialized focus on workspace solutions.

Target also serves as an indirect competitor. As a general merchandise retailer, Target offers a variety of products that overlap with Staples' offerings, particularly in school supplies, home office items, and electronics [https://sizethemarket.com/competitors/staples--com]. While Target has a more general retail focus, its competitive pricing and accessibility can draw customers who might otherwise shop at Staples for similar items.

Product & Pricing

Staples Product and Pricing Intelligence

Staples (staples.com) offers a diverse range of products and services, with transparent pricing and various membership tiers designed to meet different customer needs. Their online catalog includes nearly every item found in their regular Buying Guide, providing in-depth product pages and technology resource centers for informed purchasing decisions. For instance, document printing services start from $0.32 per page for black & white and $0.80 per page for color, with options for customizing paper, binding, and finishes [https://www.staples.com/services/printing/copies-documents-printing/]. Customers can also find custom labels and stickers starting at $9.99 for 48, and business cards beginning at $21.99 for 250 standard cards or $47.99 for 250 specialty cards [https://www.staples.com/services/printing/custom-labels-stickers/][https://www.staples.com/services/printing/business-cards/traditional-business-cards?productOptions=Stock%3AStandard].

Staples provides several business program options, catering to individual shoppers, small to medium-sized businesses, and large enterprises. The program for small businesses and individual shoppers offers perks like earning 2x points on frequent purchases, member-exclusive deals, and free, fast delivery on orders over $35. For small to medium-sized businesses, a different tier provides over 10% everyday savings and next-day delivery to over 98% of the US, coupled with support from thousands of experts. Larger enterprises with complex procurement needs benefit from customized pricing, a dedicated account team, and integrated spend controls and approval workflows [https://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/memberships/overview/index.html].

Regarding promotional offers, Staples frequently provides incentives such as "25% back in points" on custom print products, including items like banners, business cards, labels, and flyers [https://www.staples.com/services/printing/][https://www.staples.com/services/printing/offers/print-coupons/?ivid=Pg%3AB%3BPl%3AHP%3BPt%3A4BY%3BCmp%3A30_Off_Custom_Print][https://www.staples.com/services/printing/sales-marketing/flyers/]. These points can be earned up to $250 and are part of their Easy Rewards program, which has an expiration date of July 4, 2026 for certain promotions. Additionally, free in-store pickup is available for many print services, and free delivery is offered on print orders over $59.99 [https://www.staples.com/services/printing/offers/print-coupons/?ivid=Pg%3AB%3BPl%3AHP%3BPt%3A4BY%3BCmp%3A30_Off_Custom_Print][https://www.staples.com/services/printing/custom-labels-stickers/].

Ad Campaigns

Staples Ad Campaigns

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Hiring & Layoffs

Staples Hiring and Layoffs

Staples (staples.com) actively recruits across a broad spectrum of roles, signaling a continued focus on its core business and strategic growth areas. The company emphasizes a collaborative environment, highlighting that "People Are at the Heart of What We Do" and inviting individuals to "bring your passion and your expertise" to make a significant impact [careers.staples.com/en]. With a substantial number of open positions, Staples listed 284 job results at one point, encompassing a diverse range of opportunities from "Cover Delivery Driver" and "Warehouse Material Handler" to more specialized roles like "Manager, Category Development" and "Strategic Sourcing Manager IT" [careers.staples.com/en/search-jobs].

The hiring patterns at Staples indicate a multifaceted strategy, covering retail operations, sales, technology, and corporate functions. Retail opportunities are abundant, with 772 jobs for "Store Associates & Supervisors," 85 for "Store Managers & Assistant Managers," and 483 for "Store Print Associates & Supervisors" [retailcareers.staples.com/]. This suggests a strong commitment to its physical store presence and in-store services. Additionally, Staples is investing heavily in its digital infrastructure, with a dedicated focus on "Technology, eCommerce & Data Sciences" careers, offering roles in software development, product management, and analytics [careers.staples.com/en/technology]. Remote work is also an option for some positions, with 29 open remote roles including "Key Acct Developer FS" and "Specialist, Talent Acquisition," indicating flexibility in its hiring approach [careers.staples.com/en/remote-jobs].

Recent job postings showcase an ongoing need for talent across various departments, including sales, marketing, and finance. For instance, Staples is seeking a "Key Account Executive, Facility Supplies" (a remote position posted on 04/27/2026) [careers.staples.com/en/job/remote/key-account-executive-facility-supplies-minneapolis-mn/44412/94456277360] and an "Accounting Lead" (an on-site position in Framingham, MA, posted on 06/19/2026) [careers.staples.com/en/job/framingham/lead-ii-accountant/44412/96643226448]. In marketing, recent openings include "SPP Assoc Art Director" and "Director Brand Marketing" [careers.staples.com/en/search_jobs?acm=8720704&alrpm=ALL&ascf=%5B%7B%22key%22%3A%22ALL%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22%22%7D%5D]. There is no information available in the provided sources regarding any recent layoffs at Staples, suggesting a period of stable to growing employment within the company.

Leadership

Staples Management and Leadership Team

At the helm of Staples (staples.com) is CEO John Lederer, who leads the company as a prominent B2B industry leader in workspace products and solutions, as well as an innovator in digital sales for online consumers via staples.com and staplesbusiness.com [staples.com/sbd/cre/noheader/about_us/about_2025/pdf/Staples_CSR_2025_Final.pdf]. The company was acquired by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm, in 2017 [staples.com/sbd/cre/noheader/about_us/about_2024/pdf/corporate-responsibility-report-2024.pdf].

The leadership team at Staples includes a Chief Legal Officer who is responsible for Board Oversight [staples.com/sbd/cre/noheader/about_us/about_2025/pdf/Staples_CSR_2025_Final.pdf] and also provides executive oversight for the Office of Inclusion & Diversity [staples.com/sbd/cre/noheader/about_us/about_2024/pdf/corporate-responsibility-report-2024.pdf]. Additionally, a Chief Growth Officer leads the Enterprise Growth team, which focuses on strategic growth initiatives for the company [careers.staples.com/en/job/framingham/director-market-intelligence-and-strategic-insights/44412/94747718240].

Staples also has a robust Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with 33 members, along with Executive Sponsors, who support the company's ten Business Resource Groups (BRGs) [staples.com/sbd/cre/noheader/about_us/about_2024/pdf/corporate-responsibility-report-2024.pdf]. The Learning and Development team at Staples plays a crucial role in talent management, overseeing recruiting, coaching, and the development of senior leaders globally [staples.com/sbd/cre/noheader/about_us/documents/workforce-snapshot.pdf].

While specific board members beyond the Chief Legal Officer are not publicly detailed, Staples emphasizes a culture of inclusion and offers various associate resources, corporate policies, and programs related to ethics and diversity [staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/about_us/diversity-at-work.html]. The company's commitment extends to fostering a culture where associates can thrive [staples.com/sbd/cre/noheader/about_us/index.html]. Many other expert roles are highlighted on their website including experts in breakroom, supplier diversity, digital CX, charitable giving, and talent acquisition [staples.com/lp/meet-our-experts].

Financials

Staples Financial Performance, Fundraising, M&A

While specific, recent revenue figures for Staples (staples.com) are not publicly detailed on their homepage or corporate responsibility reports, the company emphasizes its long-standing position as an industry leader in workspace products and solutions, serving both consumers and businesses through its e-commerce platforms like staples.com and staplesbusiness.com ["Staples® Official Online Store"]["Staples, Inc. is a B2B industry leader in workspace products and solutions and has thousands of experts who, paired with the latest technology innovations, help solve problems and move businesses forward. We are also innovators in digital sales, enabling easy online ordering for consumers via our staples.com and staplesbusiness.com e-commerce platforms."]["Staples.com allows any customer to find top-quality products through an effortless site experience. Staples.com is designed for small businesses or individuals who value great deals and a curated assortment."]. The company, founded in 1986, pioneered the office products superstore concept ["Staples, Inc. is a B2B industry leader in workspace products and solutions and has thousands of experts who, paired with the latest technology innovations, help solve problems and move businesses forward. We are also innovators in digital sales, enabling easy online ordering for consumers via our staples.com and staplesbusiness.com e-commerce platforms."]["Staples, Inc. is a B2B industry leader in workspace products and solutions and has thousands of experts who, paired with the latest technology innovations, help solve problems and move businesses forward. We are also innovators in digital sales, enabling easy online ordering for consumers, via our staples.com and staplesbusinessadvantage.com e-commerce platforms."]["Headquartered outside of Boston, Massachusetts, Staples operated 1,780 stores worldwide by the end of fiscal year 2005. We also serve our customers through our mail-order catalog, eCommerce and contract businesses. Our customers include consumers and businesses ranging from home-based enterprises to Fortune 500 companies in 21 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia."].

Staples (staples.com) maintains a significant financial operation, with job postings for roles like Senior Financial Analyst II and Senior Manager, Finance – Supply Chain Monetization, indicating active financial planning and analysis within the organization ["Senior Financial Analyst II ( Corporate FP&A) at Staples, Inc."]["Senior Manager, Finance – Supply Chain Monetization at Staples, Inc."]. The finance team at Staples is central to driving results and providing financial expertise across all business areas ["Senior Financial Analyst II ( Corporate FP&A) at Staples, Inc."]["Senior Manager, Finance – Supply Chain Monetization at Staples, Inc."]. The company also highlights its corporate responsibility, including the "Staples Cause for Caring and U.S. Retail Share Fund," which are programs funded by employee and corporate contributions, with over $7 million donated to help employees in need since 2013 ["Community Service & Giving | Staples"]["Community Service & Giving | Staples"]["For over 35 years, Staples has been the industry leader in workspace products like furniture, technology, cleaning products, and traditional office supplies."].

While direct information on recent funding rounds or valuation figures for Staples (staples.com) is not disclosed in the provided sources, the company’s extensive product assortment and "Staples Family of Brands" demonstrate a diversified business model aimed at driving customer engagement and loyalty ["Staples® Official Online Store"]["Staples family of brands"]["Staples drives your business with an extensive product assortment wherever you need it."].

Staples also reports consolidated corporate responsibility information from its global operations, though joint ventures are noted as having an "insignificant contribution" to its overall impacts ["This Web site contains corporate responsibility information for the 2012 fiscal year ending"]. The company continues to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of its customer base ["Staples, Inc. is a B2B industry leader in workspace products and solutions and has thousands of experts who, paired with the latest technology innovations, help solve problems and move businesses forward. We are also innovators in digital sales, enabling easy online ordering for consumers via our staples.com and staplesbusiness.com e-commerce platforms."]["Staples, Inc. is a B2B industry leader in workspace products and solutions and has thousands of experts who, paired with the latest technology innovations, help solve problems and move businesses forward. We are also innovators in digital sales, enabling easy online ordering for consumers, via our staples.com and staplesbusinessadvantage.com e-commerce platforms."].

Partnerships

Staples Partnerships, Clients and Vendors

Staples.com actively engages in a variety of partnerships and vendor relationships, emphasizing both customer acquisition and comprehensive service offerings. Through the Staples Media Network, the company connects advertisers with its 38 million reachable shoppers, leveraging 19 million monthly site visits and 26 million annual transactions to find target audiences [https://www.staples.com/deals/staples-media-network/BI3000909]. Additionally, Staples offers an Affiliate Program, allowing website owners to earn money by promoting Staples.com products, thereby expanding its reach across the web [https://www.staples.com/lp/staples-affiliate-program].

For its business clientele, Staples.com provides Staples Business and Staples Business Enterprise accounts, which offer curated assortments, reporting tools, and expert access. These enterprise solutions include integration with eProcurement systems, streamlining the purchasing process for large organizations [https://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/memberships/overview/index.html]. A notable partnership for small businesses is with American Express through OPEN: The Small Business Network, offering cardholders an automatic 2% savings on Staples purchases in-store, by catalog, or online [https://www.staples.com/sbd/content/partners/amex.html].

Staples also maintains a robust Trusted Suppliers program, collaborating with various partners to broaden its product assortment. This program ensures that customers can place one convenient order, fulfilled either by Staples or its trusted suppliers, with Staples standing behind the purchase for any questions or support [https://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/programs/trustedsuppliers]. Furthermore, Staples champions supplier diversity through its Supplier Diversity Program, actively seeking partnerships with minority-owned, women-owned, small businesses, and disabled business enterprises. This initiative not only helps these diverse suppliers grow but also assists Staples' customers in meeting their diversity spend requirements [https://www.staples.com/sbd/content/about/diversity][https://www.staples.com/deals/diverse-suppliers-shop/BI2442676].

The company is continually expanding its digital ecosystem.

Staples' eCommerce team is dedicated to positioning Staples as a digital selling platform of choice, actively pursuing Marketplace Partnerships to acquire and onboard new sellers [https://careers.staples.com/en/job/framingham/marketplace-partnerships-specialist-seller-acquisition-and-onboarding/44412/94847787040]. Through these diverse partnerships and client-focused services, Staples.com reinforces its position as a comprehensive provider of office products and business solutions.

Events

Staples Event Participations

Staples (staples.com) actively participates in and hosts various events, ranging from community initiatives to internal development programs. Annually, Staples celebrates Teacher Appreciation Day in its stores nationwide, offering coupons, showcasing new back-to-school products, and providing goody bags for teachers [https://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/resources/tad2005/index.html?storeId=10001]. The company also supports the community through events like the Backpack-A-Thon, where associates help pack backpacks for children in need, and the United Way Day of Action, which sees significant associate participation [https://qe20.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/about_us/community.html].

Internally, Staples emphasizes associate development through conferences and webinars. In March 2015, the company hosted its inaugural Women’s Week, offering training and tools for leadership development, which included participation in the Simmons Leadership Conference for nominated female associates [https://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/about_us/documents/2014-corporate-responsibility-report.pdf]. Furthermore, Staples conducts monthly webinars for managers and associates in its distribution facilities to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and share ideas on energy reduction [https://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/about_us/documents/2014-corporate-responsibility-report.pdf].

The company also engages in a Corporate Challenge to promote gender equality [https://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/about_us/documents/2014-corporate-responsibility-report.pdf]. Additionally, Staples leverages its print and marketing services to assist customers with their own event needs, offering custom event printing and decorations, including flyers, brochures, cards, invitations, posters, signs, and banners [https://www.staples.com/services/printing/offers/custom-event-printing/]. These services cater to various occasions, from promoting brands to organizing weddings and creating academic projects [https://www.staples.com/services/printing/offers/custom-event-printing/].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Staples' strategic approach to employee development and retention, particularly for leadership roles?

Staples emphasizes employee development through various internal programs. The company hosted its inaugural Women's Week in March 2015, offering leadership development training and tools, including participation in the Simmons Leadership Conference for nominated female associates. Monthly webinars are also conducted for managers and associates in distribution facilities to foster peer-to-peer learning and share ideas on energy reduction.

How is Staples leveraging its physical store presence and services in its current hiring strategy?

Staples is actively committing to its physical store presence and in-store services, as evidenced by its hiring patterns. The company has a substantial number of retail opportunities, including 772 jobs for "Store Associates & Supervisors," 85 for "Store Managers & Assistant Managers," and 483 for "Store Print Associates & Supervisors." This indicates a continued investment in its brick-and-mortar operations and customer-facing service capabilities.

What initiatives indicate Staples' commitment to diversity and inclusion within its leadership and workforce?

Staples demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion through several initiatives. Its Chief Legal Officer provides executive oversight for the Office of Inclusion & Diversity, and the company has a Senior Leadership Team (SLT) of 33 members, along with Executive Sponsors, who support ten Business Resource Groups (BRGs). Staples also promotes gender equality through a Corporate Challenge.

What signals does Staples' hiring activity send regarding its investment in technology and e-commerce capabilities?

Staples' hiring activity signals a significant investment in its digital infrastructure, technology, and e-commerce capabilities. The company has a dedicated focus on "Technology, eCommerce & Data Sciences" careers, offering roles in software development, product management, and analytics. This indicates a strategic push to strengthen its online platforms and digital selling initiatives.

What is Staples' strategy for competing against e-commerce giants like Amazon, beyond traditional office supplies?

Staples' strategy for competing against e-commerce giants like Amazon extends beyond traditional office supplies by focusing on comprehensive workspace solutions and value-added services. The company offers a wide assortment including furniture, technology, and cleaning products, along with services like custom printing and AutoRestock subscriptions. Staples also provides specialized business accounts with curated assortments, reporting tools, and expert access to cater to diverse customer needs.

How does Staples differentiate its printing services from specialized printing alternatives?

Staples differentiates its printing services by offering a convenient, integrated solution alongside its broader office supply offerings. While alternatives like 4OVER4.COM emphasize a wider array of paper stocks and customization for specialized projects, Staples provides accessible document printing, custom labels, stickers, and business cards with options for in-store pickup and free delivery on larger orders. The company also offers promotional incentives like '25% back in points' on custom print products through its Easy Rewards program.

What is Staples' approach to engaging with and supporting the community through events?

Staples engages with and supports the community through various events, primarily focusing on educational and charitable initiatives. Annually, it celebrates Teacher Appreciation Day with coupons and goody bags in stores. The company also supports events like the Backpack-A-Thon for children in need and the United Way Day of Action, demonstrating significant associate participation in community service.

How does Staples use partnerships to expand its reach and enhance its service offerings for businesses?

Staples uses partnerships to expand its reach and enhance business service offerings through several avenues. The Staples Media Network connects advertisers with its extensive shopper base, while its Affiliate Program expands online product promotion. For businesses, Staples Business and Enterprise accounts integrate with eProcurement systems, and a partnership with American Express offers cardholders automatic savings. The company also leverages a Trusted Suppliers program and a Supplier Diversity Program to broaden product assortment and meet diversity spend requirements.

What insights can be drawn from Staples' internal job postings regarding its financial planning and analysis capabilities?

Staples' internal job postings indicate robust financial planning and analysis capabilities. The company is actively recruiting for roles such as Senior Financial Analyst II (Corporate FP&A) and Senior Manager, Finance – Supply Chain Monetization. These positions suggest ongoing efforts in financial strategy, performance tracking, and optimizing supply chain monetization, signaling a continued focus on internal financial rigor.

How does Staples tailor its product and pricing strategies for different customer segments, from individual shoppers to large enterprises?

Staples tailors its product and pricing strategies by offering distinct program options for various customer segments. Individual shoppers and small businesses benefit from perks like 2x points on frequent purchases and free delivery over $35. Small to medium-sized businesses receive over 10% everyday savings and next-day delivery. Large enterprises with complex procurement needs are provided customized pricing, dedicated account teams, and integrated spend controls and approval workflows.

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