
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
financial statements of Staples, Inc. for the three months ended April 29, 1995,
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-28-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-29-1995
<CASH>                                          41,897
<SECURITIES>                                    29,553
<RECEIVABLES>                                   89,098
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,006
<INVENTORY>                                    511,388
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               709,398
<PP&E>                                         311,489
<DEPRECIATION>                                  90,141
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,089,505
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          362,635
<BONDS>                                        300,361
<COMMON>                                            37
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     401,676
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,089,505
<SALES>                                        668,795
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               668,795
<CGS>                                          518,413
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  624,530
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                27,432
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,921
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 12,912
<INCOME-TAX>                                     5,035
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              7,877
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     7,877
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .12
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .12
        

</TABLE>
