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                                                                   Exhibit 23.1
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                CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



              We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
         Statement on Form S-8 pertaining to the 1994 Employee Stock Purchase
         Plan of Staples, Inc. of our report dated March 5, 1996, with respect
         to the consolidated financial statements of Staples, Inc. included in
         its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the fiscal year ended February 3,
         1996.

                                            /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
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                                            ERNST & YOUNG LLP


         Boston, Massachusetts
         September 26, 1996


           
