5 ms·

Staples Depot? I wish them luck. On the rare occasion I buy something online from one of their stores (probably something that generates a loss or wash for them

by asd 12y ago

Staples Depot? I wish them luck. On the rare occasion I buy something online from one of their stores (probably something that generates a loss or wash for them) and pick it up, it feels like I'm their first customer of the day.

bane 12y ago
I have no idea how they keep the lights on. Whenever I go in, usually during peak business hours, it's unusual if there's even another customer in there. I'm usually just buying a pack of cheap pens or something, maybe once every 6 months. Many moons ago, it used to be an underappreciated place to buy cheap computer parts, but even SD cards are grossly overpriced these days.
- alanctgardner3 12y ago
  My understanding is it's all corporate accounts. Almost nobody actually goes into the store, but my girlfriend's work regularly puts together orders and has them delivered for any office supplies they need. The retail stores are just a big distribution network, and customers are reluctant to go to Amazon or a smaller supplier because a) nobody ever got fired for buying Staples b) they already have an account there.
- jonknee 12y ago
  Staples has a shockingly large (at least to me) online business. They're the second largest online retailer in the US (second only to Amazon): http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/03/27/staples-is-trying-to-become-amazon-for-businesses.aspx http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/03/27/staples-is-...
  - shiftpgdn 12y ago
    I use them to buy toner for printers at work. Free next day AM delivery and they usually have better prices than amazon.
  - bane 12y ago
    I honestly had no idea. I would have figured new egg or Ann Taylor (based on how much my wife shops there on-line).
  - bch 12y ago
    That doesn't make up for their empty retail stores though, unless those stores really are local warehouses/depots in the scheme of their online operations -- is that their model ? Former retails promoted to faux retail/consumer warehouses ? Does having that high profile physical presence drive their online retail, so the costs are worth it ?
    - jonknee 12y ago
      Well the "synergies" or "cost savings" associated with mergers like this are when they shutter stores and lay off the employees. Post merger there will be less retail stores.
  - deleted 12y ago
    [deleted]
- kissickas 12y ago
  Staples gives store credit for printer ink cartridges, even if you didn't buy them there. They also coupon heavily so walking in and buying something retail is like doing the same at Bed, Bath & Beyond.
- wil421 12y ago
  Have you ever been there during "back to school" season? Its a jam packed free for all. They probably have a lot of seasonal business when all the grade school semesters start.
- macspoofing 12y ago
  >I have no idea how they keep the lights on. Back-to-school season, teachers/schools and corporate accounts.
Igglyboo 12y ago
Staples Depot Max Office Depot bought OfficeMax a while back.

by asd 12y ago

bane 12y ago

I have no idea how they keep the lights on. Whenever I go in, usually during peak business hours, it's unusual if there's even another customer in there. I'm usually just buying a pack of cheap pens or something, maybe once every 6 months. Many moons ago, it used to be an underappreciated place to buy cheap computer parts, but even SD cards are grossly overpriced these days.

alanctgardner3 12y ago
My understanding is it's all corporate accounts. Almost nobody actually goes into the store, but my girlfriend's work regularly puts together orders and has them delivered for any office supplies they need. The retail stores are just a big distribution network, and customers are reluctant to go to Amazon or a smaller supplier because a) nobody ever got fired for buying Staples b) they already have an account there.
jonknee 12y ago
Staples has a shockingly large (at least to me) online business. They're the second largest online retailer in the US (second only to Amazon): http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/03/27/staples-is-trying-to-become-amazon-for-businesses.aspx http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/03/27/staples-is-...
- shiftpgdn 12y ago
  I use them to buy toner for printers at work. Free next day AM delivery and they usually have better prices than amazon.
- bane 12y ago
  I honestly had no idea. I would have figured new egg or Ann Taylor (based on how much my wife shops there on-line).
- bch 12y ago
  That doesn't make up for their empty retail stores though, unless those stores really are local warehouses/depots in the scheme of their online operations -- is that their model ? Former retails promoted to faux retail/consumer warehouses ? Does having that high profile physical presence drive their online retail, so the costs are worth it ?
  - jonknee 12y ago
    Well the "synergies" or "cost savings" associated with mergers like this are when they shutter stores and lay off the employees. Post merger there will be less retail stores.
- deleted 12y ago
  [deleted]
kissickas 12y ago
Staples gives store credit for printer ink cartridges, even if you didn't buy them there. They also coupon heavily so walking in and buying something retail is like doing the same at Bed, Bath & Beyond.
wil421 12y ago
Have you ever been there during "back to school" season? Its a jam packed free for all. They probably have a lot of seasonal business when all the grade school semesters start.
macspoofing 12y ago
>I have no idea how they keep the lights on. Back-to-school season, teachers/schools and corporate accounts.

Igglyboo 12y ago

Staples Depot Max Office Depot bought OfficeMax a while back.