
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
financial statements of Staples, Inc. for the twelve months ended January 29,
2000 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-29-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-31-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               JAN-29-2000
<CASH>                                         110,483
<SECURITIES>                                     1,071
<RECEIVABLES>                                  365,967
<ALLOWANCES>                                     5,066
<INVENTORY>                                  1,607,516
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             2,193,451
<PP&E>                                       1,604,682
<DEPRECIATION>                                 509,920
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,846,076
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,454,904
<BONDS>                                        500,903
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           298
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,828,515
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 3,846,076
<SALES>                                      8,936,809
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             8,936,809
<CGS>                                        6,721,563
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                8,020,775
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               382,559
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              17,101
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                516,374
<INCOME-TAX>                                   201,386
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            314,988
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   314,988
<EPS-BASIC>                                       0.42<F1>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.41<F1>
<FN>
<F1>From January 31, 1999 to October 30, 1999:
   Staples, Inc. Stock EPS--Basic                 0.42
   Staples, Inc. Stock EPS--Diluted               0.41
From October 31, 1999 to January 29, 2000:
   Staples RD Stock EPS--Basic                    0.26
   Staples RD Stock EPS--Diluted                  0.26
   Staples.com Stock EPS--Basic                 (0.05)
   Staples.com Stock EPS--Diluted               (0.05)
</FN>


</TABLE>
