
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF STAPLES, INC. FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 3, 1996
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-03-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-03-1996
<CASH>                                          45,190
<SECURITIES>                                     2,540
<RECEIVABLES>                                  192,591
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,489
<INVENTORY>                                    764,364
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,069,097
<PP&E>                                         507,651
<DEPRECIATION>                                 151,846
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,625,336
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          528,480
<BONDS>                                        413,521
<COMMON>                                            96
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     651,683
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,625,336
<SALES>                                      1,724,856
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,724,856
<CGS>                                        1,325,212
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                1,597,310
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                73,448
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               9,193
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 44,905
<INCOME-TAX>                                    17,288
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             27,617
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    27,617
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .17
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .17
        

</TABLE>
