By,
Introduction
Staples, Inc. opened in 1986 as the first office supplies superstore. Today, it is the largest office products company with over 69,000 associates, 1,800 stores and $16.1 billion in sales in 2005 ("Corporate Overview"). Staples operates in 21 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. They offer everything from office supplies to furniture, technology and business services.
History
Staples opened May 1, 1986 in Brighton, Massachusetts. It has become the largest office supply superstore with sales topping $16 billion in 2005. Staples employs over 69,000 associates trained to help with purchases of office supplies, equipment and furniture. Staples has three separate business segments: North American Retail, North American Delivery and International Operations. Below is a list of the milestones in history for Staples, Inc.
· 1991 ? First Canadian store opens in Concord, Ontario
· 1992 ? Enters European market
· 1994 ? Acquires Business Depot
· 1998 ? Launches Staples.com; Purchases Quill Corporation
· 1999 ? Significant expansion in Europe including Germany, Netherlands and Portugal
· 2002 ? Becomes the world's largest seller of office supplies
· 2003 ? Launched Invention Quest
· 2005 ? Launched Easy Button; Announced 8th 3-for-2 stock split
Vision Statement
"Staples Soul reflects out commitment to corporate responsibility. It's what moves us to embrace diversity, sustain the environment, give back to our communities, ...