CRN reports that Staples has lost thirty Australian staff members in recent months, possibly indicating that all is not happy in the Staples world following their take over of what was Corporate Express.
While I’d like to think this is good news for newsagents, that Staples is struggling, I suspect that we are seeing teething problems relating to the fairly recent full ownership of the Australian business by Staples.
I remain concerned that Staples will get it right in Australia. The ramifications of this for newsagents would be considerable. Staples in the US is loved by small business owners. Their product mix, pricing and small business support pitches resonate.
A good indication of what we could expect Staples to do in Australia can be seen in Officeworks stores. They have lifted their game over the last year. Promoting the local connection of their team is something I have seen in several stores. They have also refreshed their in-store story.
Newsagents with stationery as an important category have to consider what they have done to refresh and refocus their image and offer over the last year. Are you keeping up?
I appreciate Paul Wallbank alerting me to this story.