Staples Canada: Difference between revisions

This article is about the office supply retail chain. For the theory of Canadian economic development, see staples thesis.

Staples Canada ULC

Logo since 2018
Staples Canada Headquarters in Richmond Hill, Ontario
Formerly	The Business Depot (1991–1994) Staples Business Depot (1994–2008)
Company type	Privately held company
Founded	1991 (1991)
Founder	Jack Bingleman
Headquarters	Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Number of locations	302
Key people	David Boone (CEO) Evelyn Sutherland (CFO) John Defranco (CCO) Rachel Huckle (CRO) Andrew Go (CDO)
Products	Technology (Computers/Business Machines/Entertainment), Furniture, Office Supplies, Copy and Print Services, Tech Services, School Supplies, Legal Supplies, Facility Supplies
Owner	Sycamore Partners
Number of employees	15,000+
Website	staples.ca

Bureau en Gros logo (2018 to present)

Staples Canada ULC, operating as Staples (also known in Quebec as Bureau en Gros; formerly known as The Business Depot and later Staples Business Depot), is a Canadian retail sales chain owned by [Sycamore Partners] headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The company is committed to supporting growth and development through their Work, Learn and Grow initiative, which offers a wide range of products and services that cater to the needs of individuals, businesses, and educational institutions.

History

The Business Depot Ltd. was founded by Jack Bingleman in 1991, with Staples as a substantial investor, opening Business Depot stores in Ontario and later Atlantic Canada and Bureau en Gros locations in Quebec. The American counterpart acquired 100% of the Canadian company in 1994. Around this time, the company began to open stores in Western Canada under the Staples: The Office Superstore label, like its U.S. counterpart.

The company later began converting locations in English-speaking markets to a combined brand, tested as Staples: The Business Depot and later rolled out as Staples Business Depot. This conversion was completed in 2001, with Quebec locations retaining Bureau en Gros.

In 2008, the company began shortening its name to "Staples" in English Canada to avoid confusion with rival Office Depot, to provide more commonality with its stores in the U.S. and overseas. This was also done to reduce costs associated with Staples brand merchandise packaging that was made specifically for Canada. In Quebec, products that were previously rebranded Bureau en Gros now remain branded as Staples. This change was "soft launched"; Staples updated the logo as the company reordered supplies to reduce costs associated with a brand change. The subsidiary later converted from a regular corporation to an unlimited liability corporation (ULC).

Over the years, Staples Canada has acquired different companies, such as Chiswick, which introduced industrial products to their selection. They have increased their focus on drop-shipping some products to be able to offer a wider selection of merchandise without needing to increase personal inventory or warehouse space. In 2008, Staples acquired Corporate Express, which ran under the banner Staples Business Advantage, catering to larger corporations. It has since been rebranded as Staples Professional.

In 2017, Staples was acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $6.9 billion. Under the new owner, Staples Inc. was split into three "independently managed and capitalized" entities; Staples Canada serves as one of these entities, alongside Staples North American Delivery and Staples U.S. Retail.

In December 2018, Staples Canada unveiled a new logo, and the new slogan "Work. Learn. Grow". The rebranding was accompanied by a new store concept, which first launched in Montreal and at its 375 University Avenue flagship store in Toronto. They feature demo areas with curated selections from various product lines (including pens, paper, journals, and consumer electronics), the "Solution Shop" for print and marketing services, and the latter featuring "Staples Studio" co-working areas and an auditorium-style "Spotlight" theatre (which can be rented for sessions and events). With the new concept, Staples Canada began to position itself as "the working and learning company", with David Boone as the new appointed Chief Executive Officer of Staples Canada ULC in January 2018.

About

Staples commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in their one-stop-shop approach, providing a comprehensive selection of high-quality products and services, including office supplies, international and domestic shipping services, packing supplies, printing solutions, Janitorial sanitation supplies, high-tech products and services, travel necessities and kids' growth and development activities. With these all inclusive products and services Staples Canada has positioned itself as the leader in innovation and customer forward solutions.

The company has established two distinct models for B2B and B2C, which consists of three separate channels of distribution: Staples Preferred, Staples Professional, and Staples.ca. The Staples Preferred program is tailored for businesses and provides personalized pricing and account management to help businesses save money and operate more efficiently. Staples Professional, on the other hand, is designed for professionals who require expert advice and specialized products for their work. The Staples.ca website caters to consumers and provides a vast selection of products for home and office use, ranging from office supplies to high-tech gadgets.

Preferred

The Staples Preferred program is a unique service offered by Staples Canada that is designed to meet the specific needs of businesses. The program provides personalized pricing and account management services that can help businesses save money and operate more efficiently.

By becoming a member of the Staples Preferred program, businesses gain access to a wide range of benefits. For example, members receive customized pricing on a wide range of products, which can help businesses save money on their regular purchases. The program also offers dedicated account management services, which provide businesses with a single point of contact for all of their office supply needs.

In addition to these benefits, the Staples Preferred program offers a range of other services that can help businesses operate more efficiently. Members have access to a team of experts who can provide guidance on a variety of topics, such as office design and layout, furniture selection, and product recommendations. The program also offers customized reporting tools that can help businesses track their spending and identify opportunities for cost savings.

Professional

Staples Professional is a one-of-a-kind program that focuses on serving the needs of professionals who require specialized products and expert advice to enhance their work. This program is specifically designed to provide professionals with a personalized shopping experience, which helps them find the products they need quickly and easily.

One of the key benefits of the Staples Professional program is the access to a team of experts who can provide guidance on a variety of topics, such as office design, ergonomic solutions, and technology solutions. This expertise can be invaluable to professionals who are looking to optimize their workspace and improve their productivity.

In addition to expert advice, Staples Professional offers a range of specialized products that are not available through other retail channels. These products include high-end technology solutions, ergonomic furniture, and specialized office supplies. The program also offers a range of exclusive discounts and promotions, which can help professionals save money on their purchases.

Staples.ca

The Staples.ca website is a comprehensive online retail platform that caters to the needs of consumers and provides an extensive range of products for home and office use. The website features an impressive collection of high-quality products, ranging from essential office supplies to the latest cutting-edge technology. The user-friendly interface of the website makes it effortless for consumers to navigate and find the products they need.

One of the key benefits of shopping on Staples.ca is the vast selection of products available. Customers can choose from a wide range of products, including office supplies, furniture, technology, and cleaning supplies. Additionally, the website offers a variety of specialized products, such as ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and high-tech gadgets like laptops, wireless working stations, and smart headsets.

Sustainability Mission

Staples Canada has dedicated their efforts to uphold their environmental responsibility with a strong commitment to sustainability, with a variety of initiatives in place to reduce their environmental impact. One of their notable partnerships is with Bullfrog Power, which allows them to use renewable energy sources in their operations, reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, Staples Canada has implemented recycling programs for various products, including ink and toner cartridges, electronics, and batteries. These programs not only reduce waste but also allow for the materials to be repurposed or recycled properly, contributing to a more sustainable future. Overall, Staples Canada's sustainability mission showcases their dedication to making positive impacts on the environment and local communities, while taking active steps towards a greener future.

Bibliography

• Canada, S. (2022). Sustainability and eco-responsibility for a greener planet. Staples.ca. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.staples.ca/a/content/sustainability
• Staples.ca/about: Staples Canada. (2022). About Staples Canada. Staples.ca. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.staples.ca/a/content/about-staples
• Staples Preferred: Staples Canada ULC. (2022). Staples Preferred - Business Customer Discount. Staples Preferred. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.staples.ca/a/content/staples-preferred
• Staples Professional: Staples Professional Inc.(2022). Staples professional™ Canada - essential business services. Staples Professional. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.staplesprofessional.ca/