WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>


This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the 
financial statements of Staples, Inc. for the twelve months ended February 3,
1996, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial 
statements.
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-03-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-29-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               FEB-03-1996
<CASH>                                          98,130
<SECURITIES>                                    12,685
<RECEIVABLES>                                  122,453
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,510
<INVENTORY>                                    644,514
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               925,871
<PP&E>                                         412,991
<DEPRECIATION>                                 120,496
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,402,775
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          421,541
<BONDS>                                        343,647
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            95
<OTHER-SE>                                     611,321
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,402,775
<SALES>                                      3,068,061
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             3,068,061
<CGS>                                        2,366,183
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,812,507
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               119,785
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              15,924
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                119,845
<INCOME-TAX>                                    46,140
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             73,705
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    73,705
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .46
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .46
        

</TABLE>
