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                                              Exhibit 23.2
                                              ------------


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Form S-8 pertaining to the Staples, Inc. Amended and Restated 1990 Director
Stock Option Plan of our report dated June 29, 1998 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Staples, Inc. included in its Current
Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


                                    /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
March 3, 1999
