Staples

Staples uses a hybrid commerce-and-services model. It creates value by aggregating office and workplace demand from consumers, small businesses and enterprises, then fulfilling that demand through retail and procurement channels. It extends this base with adjacent services such as print, design, direct mail and digital marketing, and monetises its owned demand and audience data through a retail media offering for brands. The model benefits from repeat purchase behaviour in consumable office categories and from enterprise procurement integrations that can increase account stickiness.

Staples is a large office products retailer and business procurement provider headquartered in the United States. Its core business is selling workplace supplies, technology products and related services through e-commerce, mobile, stores and enterprise purchasing programmes. Beyond retail transactions, it also operates Staples Advantage for organisational procurement, print and marketing services for businesses and consumers, a loyalty programme, and recurring replenishment services.

Staples also monetises its commerce audience through Staples Media Network, which sells on-site advertising and audience targeting to brands using the company’s first-party shopper data. As a result, Staples generates revenue from product margin, contracted B2B purchasing relationships, recurring orders, service fees and advertising spend from brands seeking access to its shopper base.