
<TABLE> <S> <C>

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

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-03-2001
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-30-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-29-2000
<CASH>                                             651
<SECURITIES>                                     1,047
<RECEIVABLES>                                  444,866
<ALLOWANCES>                                     6,483
<INVENTORY>                                  1,547,780
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             2,112,868
<PP&E>                                       1,692,471
<DEPRECIATION>                                 560,873
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,980,724
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,398,173
<BONDS>                                        543,781
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           291
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,945,193
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 3,980,724
<SALES>                                      2,555,786
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,555,786
<CGS>                                        1,946,139
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,365,496
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               109,292
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               6,139
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 74,859
<INCOME-TAX>                                    30,692
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             44,167
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    44,167
<EPS-BASIC>                                       0.00
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.00


</TABLE>
