<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0001157523-12-004938
<TYPE>8-K
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>2
<PERIOD>20120920
<ITEMS>2.05
<ITEMS>2.06
<ITEMS>7.01
<ITEMS>8.01
<ITEMS>9.01
<FILING-DATE>20120925
<DATE-OF-FILING-DATE-CHANGE>20120925
<FILER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>STAPLES INC
<CIK>0000791519
<ASSIGNED-SIC>5940
<IRS-NUMBER>042896127
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>DE
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>0202
</COMPANY-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>8-K
<ACT>34
<FILE-NUMBER>000-17586
<FILM-NUMBER>121108115
</FILING-VALUES>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>500 STAPLES DRIVE
<STREET2>P O BOX 9328
<CITY>FRAMINGHAM
<STATE>MA
<ZIP>01702
<PHONE>5082535000
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>500 STAPLES DR
<CITY>FRAMINGHAM
<STATE>MA
<ZIP>01702
</MAIL-ADDRESS>
</FILER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a50419386.htm
<DESCRIPTION>STAPLES, INC. 8-K
<TEXT>
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    <p style="text-align: center">
      <font style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><b>UNITED
      STATES</b></font><b><font style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><br style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"></font><font style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman">SECURITIES
      AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b><br><font style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><b>WASHINGTON,
      D.C. 20549</b></font><br><br>
    </p>
    <hr style="color: #000000; text-align: center; height: 1.0 pt; width: 33%">


    <p style="text-align: center">
      <br>
      <font style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><b>FORM 8-K</b></font><br><br><font style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><b>CURRENT
      REPORT</b></font><br><font style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><b>PURSUANT
      TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF</b></font><br><font style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><b>THE
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</b></font><br><br><font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Date
      of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 20, 2012</font><br><br>
    </p>
<div style="text-align:left">
    <table cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Times New Roman; width: 100%; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10.0px">
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            <b>STAPLES, INC.</b>
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
    </table>
    </div>
<div style="text-align:left">
    <table cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Times New Roman; width: 100%; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10.0px">
      <tr>
        <td valign="bottom" style="width: 33%; border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            <b>Delaware</b>
          </p>
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="width: 34%; border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            <b>0-17586</b>
          </p>
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="width: 33%; border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            <b>04-2896127</b>
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="bottom" style="width: 33%; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            (State or other jurisdiction
          </p>
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            of incorporation)
          </p>
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="width: 34%; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            (Commission
          </p>
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            File Number)
          </p>
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="width: 33%; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            (IRS Employer
          </p>
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            Identification No.)
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
    </table>
    </div>
<div style="text-align:left">
    <table cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Times New Roman; width: 100%; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10.0px">
      <tr>
        <td valign="bottom" style="width: 67%; border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            <b>Five Hundred Staples Drive, Framingham, MA</b>
          </p>
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="width: 33%; border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            <b>01702</b>
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="bottom" style="width: 67%; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman">(Address
            of principal executive offices)</font>
          </p>
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="width: 33%; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman">(Zip
          Code)</font>
        </td>
      </tr>
    </table>
    </div>
    <p style="text-align: center">
      <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Registrant&#8217;s
      telephone number, including area code: </font><b>508-253-5000</b><br><br>
    </p>
<div style="text-align:left">
    <table cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Times New Roman; width: 100%; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10.0px">
      <tr>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
    </table>
    </div>
    <p style="text-align: center">
      <br>

    </p>
    <p>
      <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Check the
      appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
      simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any
      of the following provisions:</font>
    </p>
    <p>
      <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial Unicode MS">&#8414;</font>
      <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Written
      communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR
      230.425)</font>
    </p>
    <p>
      <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial Unicode MS">&#8414;</font>
      <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Soliciting
      material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
      240.14a-12)</font>
    </p>
    <p>
      <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial Unicode MS">&#8414;</font>
      <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Pre-commencement
      communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
      240.14d-2(b))</font>
    </p>
    <p>
      <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial Unicode MS">&#8414;</font>
      <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Pre-commencement
      communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
      240.13e-4(c))</font>
    </p>
    <div style="width: 100%; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-indent: 0pt">
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: left">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div style="page-break-after: always">
        <div style="text-align: center">

        </div>
        <div style="text-align: center">
          <hr style="height: 1.5pt; color: black">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: right">

        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <p>

    </p>
    <p>
      <b>Item 2.05&#160; Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.</b>
    </p>
    <p>
      On September 20, 2012, in connection with approval of a strategic plan
      to accelerate growth, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of
      Staples, Inc. (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) approved actions giving rise to the
      following charges:
    </p>
    <ul>
      <li style="margin-bottom: 10.0px">
        In connection with the planned closure of approximately 15 U.S.
        stores, the Company estimates that it will record a pre-tax cash
        charge of approximately $35 million during the fourth quarter of 2012
        primarily consisting of reserves for ongoing lease payments related to
        facility closures.
      </li>
      <li style="margin-bottom: 10.0px">
        In connection with restructuring activities in Europe, including the
        planned closure of stores and sub-scale delivery businesses and the
        restructuring of certain general and administrative functions, the
        Company estimates that it will record pre-tax cash charges in the
        range of $145 million to $195 million by the end of fiscal year 2012.
        These charges consist of estimated ranges of approximately $70 million
        to $90 million related to severance and benefit costs, approximately
        $65 million to $85 million of reserves for ongoing lease payments
        related to facility closures and approximately $10 million to $20
        million related to other closure costs.
      </li>
      <li style="margin-bottom: 10.0px">
        In connection with a decision to pursue the sale of the European
        Printing Systems business, the Company will report the results of this
        business as discontinued operations and estimates that it will record
        a pre-tax cash charge in the range of $15 million to $20 million
        during the third quarter of 2012 consisting of severance and benefit
        costs.
      </li>
      <li style="margin-bottom: 10.0px">
        In connection with the rebranding of the Company&#8217;s Australian
        business, the Company estimates that it will record a $20 million
        pre-tax non-cash charge related to accelerated trade name amortization
        by the end of fiscal year 2012.
      </li>
    </ul>
    <p>
      The table below provides a summary of the approximate pre-tax charges
      related to the Company&#8217;s strategic growth plan, as well as an estimate
      of the impairment charges related to the Company&#8217;s European retail and
      catalog businesses discussed in Item 2.06 below.
    </p>
<div style="text-align:left">
    <table cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Times New Roman; width: 100%; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10.0px">
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px" colspan="5">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            <b>Summary of Approximate Pre-Tax Charges (Dollar Amounts in
            Millions)</b>
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td style="width: 68%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="width: 15%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="width: 15%">

        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 68%; padding-bottom: 2.0px; text-align: right; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            &#160;
          </p>
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <b>Q3 2012</b>
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <b>Q4 2012</b>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td style="width: 68%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 15%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 15%">
          &#160;
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 68%; text-align: left; padding-left: 10.0px">
          European Goodwill and Other Asset Impairment*
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          $790 - 850
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          -
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 68%; text-align: left; padding-left: 10.0px">
          European Restructuring
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          25 - 35
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          $120 - 160
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 68%; text-align: left; padding-left: 10.0px">
          European Printing Systems Restructuring
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          15 - 20
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          -
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 68%; text-align: left; padding-left: 10.0px">
          Australia Tradename Accelerated Amortization*
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          15
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          5
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 68%; padding-bottom: 2.0px; text-align: left; padding-left: 10.0px">
          U.S. Store Closures
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          -
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          35
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 68%; padding-bottom: 4.0px; text-align: left; padding-left: 30.0px">
          <b>Total</b>
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; border-bottom: double black 2.25pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          $845 - 920
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 15%; border-bottom: double black 2.25pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          $160 - 200
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 68%; text-align: left; padding-left: 10.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            *<i>Denotes non-cash charge</i>
          </p>
        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 15%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 1%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 15%">

        </td>
      </tr>
    </table>
    </div>
    <p>
      <b>Item 2.06 Material Impairments. </b>
    </p>
    <p>
      In connection with the planned restructuring of the Company&#8217;s
      International operations, and as a result of the macroeconomic trends
      and their impact on the Company&#8217;s long-term sales and profit
      projections, the Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test
      on its European retail and catalog businesses.&#160;&#160;Based on the results of
      this analysis, on September 20, 2012, the Audit Committee of the Board
      of Directors of the Company concluded that a material impairment charge
      was required under generally accepted accounting principles.&#160;&#160;The
      Company expects to record a pre-tax non-cash charge in the range of $790
      million to $850 million for the impairment of goodwill and fixed assets
      and the write-down of deferred tax assets with respect to these business
      units during the third quarter of 2012.&#160;&#160;The Company is now conducting
      further analysis to determine the specific impairment charges to record.
    </p>
    <div style="width: 100%; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-indent: 0pt">
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: left">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div style="page-break-after: always">
        <div style="text-align: center">

        </div>
        <div style="text-align: center">
          <hr style="height: 1.5pt; color: black">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: right">

        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <p>

    </p>
    <p>
      <b>Item 7.01 &#160; Regulation FD Disclosure.</b>
    </p>
    <p>
      &#160;On September 25, 2012, the Company issued a press release announcing a
      strategic plan to accelerate growth.&#160;&#160;A copy of that press release is
      attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.&#160;&#160;Such exhibit is being &#8220;furnished&#8221; (not
      filed).
    </p>
    <p>

    </p>
    <p style="white-space: nowrap">
      <b>Item 8.01&#160;&#160;Other Events.</b>
    </p>
    <p style="white-space: nowrap">
      On September 25, 2012, the Company announced a strategic plan to
      accelerate growth.&#160;&#160;The key elements of the plan are as follows:
    </p>
    <ul>
      <li style="margin-bottom: 10.0px">
        The Company is increasing investment in online and mobile capabilities
        to provide business customers with a differentiated multi-channel
        shopping experience. The Company is significantly expanding its
        assortment beyond office supplies to better serve the needs of
        business customers. To help fund these investments in growth, the
        Company is initiating a multi-year cost savings plan which is expected
        to generate annualized pre-tax cost savings of approximately
        $250&#160;million by the end of fiscal year 2015.
      </li>
      <li style="margin-bottom: 10.0px">
        The Company is combining U.S. Retail and Staples.com businesses under
        the leadership of Demos Parneros. Joseph Doody will continue to lead
        the Company&#8217;s North American Contract and Quill.com businesses, and
        will assume leadership of supply chain and customer service operations
        in North America. The Company has appointed John Wilson as president
        of Staples Europe.
      </li>
      <li style="margin-bottom: 10.0px">
        The Company plans to reduce retail square footage in North America by
        approximately 15% by the end of fiscal year 2015. The Company is
        accelerating the closure of approximately 15 U.S. stores and expects a
        total of approximately 30 net store closures and 30 store downsizings
        and relocations in North America during fiscal year 2012.
      </li>
      <li style="margin-bottom: 10.0px">
        The Company plans to close 45 stores and several sub-scale delivery
        businesses in Europe by the end of fiscal year 2012. The Company is
        continuing to explore additional operational and strategic
        opportunities for its European operations.
      </li>
      <li style="margin-bottom: 10.0px">
        The Company is pursuing the sale of its European printing systems
        business.
      </li>
      <li style="margin-bottom: 10.0px">
        The Company is rebranding its Australian business as it continues to
        move toward one global brand.
      </li>
      <li style="margin-bottom: 10.0px">
        The Company plans to continue to repurchase common stock through open
        market purchases, which are expected to total approximately
        $450&#160;million during fiscal year 2012 and also plans to repay its
        outstanding $325&#160;million Senior Notes due October&#160;2012 with cash on
        hand.
      </li>
    </ul>
    <div style="width: 100%; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-indent: 0pt">
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: left">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div style="page-break-after: always">
        <div style="text-align: center">

        </div>
        <div style="text-align: center">
          <hr style="height: 1.5pt; color: black">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: right">

        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <p>

    </p>
    <p>
      Forward-Looking Cautionary Statement
    </p>
    <p>
      Certain information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K
      (including Exhibit 99.1) constitutes forward-looking statements for
      purposes of the safe harbor provisions of The Private Securities
      Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, but not limited to, statements
      regarding our future business, strategy and financial performance.&#160;&#160;Any
      statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact
      should be considered forward-looking statements.&#160;&#160;You can identify these
      forward-looking statements by the use of the words &#8220;believes&#8221;,
      &#8220;expects&#8221;, &#8220;anticipates&#8221;, &#8220;plans&#8221;, &#8220;may&#8221;, &#8220;will&#8221;, &#8220;would&#8221;, &#8220;intends&#8221;,
      &#8220;estimates&#8221;, and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or
      affirmative.&#160;&#160;Forward-looking statements are based on a series of
      expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections which involve
      substantial uncertainty and risk, including the review of our
      assessments by our outside auditor and changes in management&#8217;s
      assumptions and projections.&#160;&#160;Actual results may differ materially from
      those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of risks
      and uncertainties, including but not limited to the following: the
      Company&#8217;s ability to achieve the growth plan could be adversely affected
      by competitive factors, economic and&#160;&#160;market conditions and other
      external events; any inability by the Company to achieve on a timely
      basis its planned cost savings to fund investments in the growth plan
      could adversely affect the achievement of the plan and the Company&#8217;s
      earnings; the estimated amounts of cash and non-cash restructuring and
      goodwill impairment charges described above could change as a result of
      changes in estimates or fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, and it
      is possible that the implementation of the plan, or changes to the plan,
      could result in charges not currently contemplated by the plan; and
      achievement of the plan could be affected by the factors discussed or
      referenced in the Company&#8217;s most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q
      filed with the SEC, under the heading &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; and elsewhere, and
      any subsequent periodic or current reports filed by the Company with the
      SEC. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent the Company&#8217;s
      estimates only as of the date such statements are made (unless another
      date is indicated) and should not be relied upon as representing the
      Company&#8217;s estimates as of any subsequent date. While the Company may
      elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future,
      the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, even if the
      Company&#8217;s estimates change.&#160;&#160;All forward-looking statements in this Form
      8-K are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
    </p>
    <p>
      <b>Item 9.01&#160; Financial Statements and Exhibits.</b>
    </p>
    <p>
      The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index immediately preceding such
      exhibits are furnished as part of this Current Report on Form 8-K.
    </p>
    <p>

    </p>
    <div style="width: 100%; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-indent: 0pt">
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: left">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div style="page-break-after: always">
        <div style="text-align: center">

        </div>
        <div style="text-align: center">
          <hr style="height: 1.5pt; color: black">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: right">

        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <p>

    </p>
    <p style="text-align: center">
      <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><b>SIGNATURE</b></font><br>
    </p>
    <p style="text-indent: 30.0px">
      <font style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Pursuant to
      the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
      has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
      undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</font>
    </p>
    <p style="text-indent: 30.0px">

    </p>
    <div style="text-align:center">
    <table cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Times New Roman; width: 100%; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10.0px; margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto">
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 5%; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            Date:
          </p>
        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 45%; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            September 25, 2012
          </p>
        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px" colspan="2">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            Staples, Inc.
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td style="width: 5%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 45%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px" colspan="2">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            &#160;
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 5%; padding-bottom: 2.0px; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            &#160;
          </p>
        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 45%; padding-bottom: 2.0px; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            &#160;
          </p>
        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 5%; padding-bottom: 2.0px; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          By:
        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 45%; border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            /s/ CHRISTINE T. KOMOLA
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td style="width: 5%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 45%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 5%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 45%; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            Christine T. Komola
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td style="width: 5%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 45%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 5%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 45%; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            Senior Vice President,
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td style="width: 5%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 45%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 5%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 45%; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            Chief Financial Officer
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
    </table>
    </div>
    <div style="width: 100%; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-indent: 0pt">
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: left">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div style="page-break-after: always">
        <div style="text-align: center">

        </div>
        <div style="text-align: center">
          <hr style="height: 1.5pt; color: black">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: right">

        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <p style="text-align: center">

    </p>
    <p style="text-align: center">
      <b>Exhibit Index</b><br><br>
    </p>
<div style="text-align:left">
    <table cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Times New Roman; width: 100%; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10.0px">
      <tr>
        <td style="width: 15%">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 25%; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            <u><b>Exhibit No.</b></u>
          </p>
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="width: 60%; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            <u><b>Description</b></u>
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td style="width: 15%">

        </td>
        <td style="width: 25%">

        </td>
        <td valign="middle" style="width: 60%; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          &#160;
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td style="width: 15%">

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 25%; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          99.1
        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="width: 60%; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px">
            Press Release dated September 25, 2012.
          </p>
        </td>
      </tr>
    </table>
    </div>
    <p>

    </p>
  </body>
</html>
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     PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
     "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">-->
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>a50419386ex99_1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 99.1
<TEXT>
<html>
  <head>
    <title></title>
<!--Copyright 2012 Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company.-->
<!--All rights reserved www.businesswire.com-->
  </head>
  <body style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Times New Roman">
    <p style="text-align: right">
      <b>Exhibit 99.1</b>
    </p>
    <p style="text-align: center">
      <font style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><b>Staples,
      Inc. Announces Strategic Plan to Accelerate Growth</b></font>
    </p>
    <p>
      FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--September 25, 2012--Staples, Inc.
      (Nasdaq: SPLS) the world&#8217;s largest office products company and second
      largest internet retailer, today announced that it is embarking on a
      strategic plan to better serve the needs of its customers and accelerate
      growth. Staples will integrate its retail and online offering, increase
      investment in its online businesses, reorganize its operations,
      implement leadership changes, initiate a multi-year cost savings plan,
      and restructure its International Operations.
    </p>
    <p>
      &#8220;Our vision is to establish Staples as the single-source product
      authority for millions of businesses,&#8221; said Ron Sargent, Staples&#8217;
      chairman and chief executive officer. &#8220;We are building on the strengths
      that are the foundation of our success by focusing on five key
      priorities: accelerate growth in our online businesses; fully integrate
      retail and online; improve retail store productivity; restructure our
      International Operations; and return cash to stakeholders.&#8221;
    </p>
    <p>
      This strategy builds on Staples&#8217; unique strengths, including its
      world-class supply chain capabilities, extensive retail store network,
      strong relationships with business customers of all sizes, and
      industry-leading online presence.
    </p>
    <p>
      <b>Accelerate Growth</b>
    </p>
    <p>
      To achieve its vision, Staples is increasing investment in online and
      mobile capabilities to provide business customers with a differentiated
      multi-channel shopping experience. Building on its success in categories
      like facilities and breakroom supplies, copy and print, and technology
      products, Staples is significantly expanding its assortment beyond
      office supplies to better serve the needs of business customers. To help
      fund these investments in growth, Staples is initiating a multi-year
      cost savings plan which is expected to generate annualized pre-tax cost
      savings of approximately $250 million by the end of fiscal year 2015.
    </p>
    <div style="width: 100%; margin-right: 0pt; margin-left: 0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-indent: 0pt">
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: left">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div style="page-break-after: always">
        <div style="text-align: center">

        </div>
        <div style="text-align: center">
          <hr style="height: 1.5pt; color: black">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: right">

        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <p>
      <b>Enhance Multi-Channel Offering</b>
    </p>
    <p>
      To support growth and better address the changing needs of its
      customers, Staples announced the combination of its U.S. Retail and
      Staples.com businesses under the leadership of Demos Parneros. Joe Doody
      will continue to lead Staples&#8217; North American Contract and Quill.com
      businesses, and will assume leadership of supply chain and customer
      service operations in North America. &#8220;Demos and Joe are outstanding
      leaders who have a deep understanding of the needs of business
      customers,&#8221; said Sargent. &#8220;By realigning our organization around our
      customers, we are much better positioned to take advantage of our unique
      supply chain and retail store assets, while accelerating online growth
      and significantly improving productivity.&#8221; Demos Parneros and Joe Doody
      will continue to report to Ron Sargent.
    </p>
    <p>
      <b>Improve Retail Store Productivity</b>
    </p>
    <p>
      Staples plans to reduce retail square footage in North America by
      approximately 15 percent by the end of fiscal year 2015. As part of this
      plan, Staples is accelerating the closure of approximately 15 U.S.
      stores which will result in a pre-tax cash charge of approximately $35
      million during the fourth quarter of 2012. Staples now expects a total
      of approximately 30 net store closures and 30 store downsizings and
      relocations in North America during fiscal year 2012.
    </p>
    <p>
      <b>Restructure International Operations</b>
    </p>
    <p>
      Staples announced key restructuring activities as part of an ongoing
      process to reduce the complexity and improve the profitability of its
      European operations. Staples plans to close 45 stores and several
      sub-scale delivery businesses in Europe by the end of fiscal year 2012,
      and also announced a leadership change in its European operations.
      Staples announced the appointment of John Wilson as president of Staples
      Europe. &#8220;John has a strong knowledge of our industry and a proven track
      record of improving performance which uniquely positions him to lead our
      European organization,&#8221; said Sargent. John will be based in Amsterdam
      and replace Rob Vale, who is retiring as planned after leading Staples&#8217;
      European operations over the past three years.
    </p>
    <div style="width: 100%; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-indent: 0pt">
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: left">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div style="page-break-after: always">
        <div style="text-align: center">

        </div>
        <div style="text-align: center">
          <hr style="height: 1.5pt; color: black">

        </div>
      </div>
      <div>
        <div style="text-align: right">

        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <p>
      As a result of these actions, Staples expects to record pre-tax cash
      charges in the range of $145 million to $195 million by the end of
      fiscal year 2012. Additionally, Staples expects to record a pre-tax
      non-cash charge in the range of $790 million to $850 million for the
      impairment of goodwill and other assets within its European retail and
      catalog businesses during the third quarter of 2012. Staples is
      continuing to explore additional operational and strategic opportunities
      for its European operations.
    </p>
    <p>
      Staples is also pursuing the sale of its European Printing Systems
      business. As a result, this business will be reported as discontinued
      operations as of the third quarter of 2012. Staples expects to record a
      pre-tax cash charge in the range of $15 million to $20 million related
      to this action during the third quarter of 2012.
    </p>
    <p>
      Staples is rebranding its Australian business as it continues to move
      toward one global brand. As a result, Staples plans to record a $20
      million pre-tax non-cash charge related to accelerated tradename
      amortization by the end of fiscal year 2012.
    </p>
<div style="text-align:left">
    <table cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Times New Roman; width: 100%; font-size: 8pt; margin-bottom: 10.0px">
      <tr>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt" colspan="2">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt" colspan="2">
          &#160;
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px" colspan="12">
          <b>Summary of Approximate Pre-Tax Charges (Dollar Amounts in
          Millions)</b>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td>
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td>
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px" colspan="2">
          <b>Q3 2012</b>
        </td>
        <td>
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td>
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td>
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; text-align: center; padding-left: 0.0px" colspan="2">
          <b>Q4 2012</b>
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td colspan="2">

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td colspan="2">
          &#160;
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          European Goodwill and Other Asset Impairment*
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="white-space: nowrap; text-align: right; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          $
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          790 - 850
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          -
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          European Restructuring
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          25 - 35
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="white-space: nowrap; text-align: right; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          $
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          120 - 160
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          European Printing Systems Restructuring
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          15 - 20
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          -
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          Australia Tradename Accelerated Amortization*
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          15
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          5
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="padding-bottom: 2.0px; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          U.S. Store Closures
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          -
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="padding-bottom: 2.0px; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">

        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          35
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="padding-bottom: 4.0px; text-align: left; padding-left: 15.0px">
          <b>Total</b>
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: double black 2.25pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: right; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          $
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: double black 2.25pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          845 - 920
        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: double black 2.25pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: right; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          $
        </td>
        <td valign="bottom" style="border-bottom: double black 2.25pt; white-space: nowrap; text-align: center; padding-right: 0.0px; padding-left: 0.0px">
          160 - 200
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td valign="top" style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; text-align: left; padding-left: 0.0px">
          *<i>Denotes non-cash charge</i>
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt" colspan="2">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt">
          &#160;
        </td>
        <td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt" colspan="2">
          &#160;
        </td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td>

        </td>
        <td colspan="2">

        </td>
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    <p>
      <b>Return Cash to Stakeholders</b>
    </p>
    <p>
      Staples remains fully committed to returning excess cash to stakeholders
      and is focused on maintaining its current investment grade credit
      rating. Staples plans to continue to repurchase its common stock through
      open-market purchases, which are expected to total approximately $450
      million during fiscal year 2012, and also plans to repay its outstanding
      $325 million Senior Notes due October 2012 with cash on hand. As a
      result of these activities, as well as its ongoing cash dividend
      program, Staples plans to return more than $1 billion of cash to
      stakeholders during fiscal year 2012.
    </p>
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    <p>
      &#8220;We are focusing on our biggest opportunities, aligning our organization
      to address the needs of our customers, and reducing exposure to our
      weakest businesses,&#8221; Sargent said. &#8220;This puts us in a much stronger
      position to drive long-term sales and earnings growth.&#8221;
    </p>
    <p>
      <b>About Staples</b>
    </p>
    <p>
      Staples is the world&#8217;s largest office products company and a trusted
      source for office solutions. The company provides products, services and
      expertise in office supplies, copy &amp; print, technology, facilities and
      breakroom, and furniture. Staples invented the office superstore concept
      in 1986 and now has annual sales of $25 billion, ranking second in the
      world in eCommerce sales. With 88,000 associates worldwide, Staples
      operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe,
      Asia and Australia, making it easy for businesses of all sizes and
      consumers. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information
      about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at <u>www.staples.com/media</u>.
    </p>
    <p>
      Certain information contained in this news release constitutes
      forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of
      The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, but not
      limited to, statements regarding our future business, strategy and
      financial performance. Any statements contained in this news release
      that are not statements of historical fact should be considered
      forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking
      statements by the use of the words &#8220;believes&#8221;, &#8220;expects&#8221;, &#8220;anticipates&#8221;,
      &#8220;plans&#8221;, &#8220;may&#8221;, &#8220;will&#8221;, &#8220;would&#8221;, &#8220;intends&#8221;, &#8220;estimates&#8221;, and other
      similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative.
      Forward-looking statements are based on a series of expectations,
      assumptions, estimates and projections which involve substantial
      uncertainty and risk, including the review of our assessments by our
      outside auditor and changes in management&#8217;s assumptions and projections.
      Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from
      those currently anticipated as a result of risks and uncertainties,
      including but not limited to the following: the Company&#8217;s ability to
      achieve the growth plan could be adversely affected by competitive
      factors, economic and market conditions and other external events; any
      inability by the Company to achieve on a timely basis its planned cost
      savings to fund investments in the growth plan could adversely affect
      the achievement of the plan and the Company&#8217;s earnings; the estimated
      amounts of cash and non-cash restructuring and goodwill impairment
      charges described above could change as a result of changes in estimates
      or fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; and it is possible that the
      implementation of the plan, or changes to the plan, could result in
      charges not currently contemplated by the plan; and achievement of the
      plan could be affected by the factors discussed or referenced in our
      most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, under the
      heading &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; and elsewhere, and any subsequent periodic or
      current reports filed by us with the SEC. In addition, any
      forward-looking statements represent our estimates only as of the date
      such statements are made (unless another date is indicated) and should
      not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent
      date. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some
      point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so,
      even if our estimates change. All forward-looking statements in this
      news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary
      statement.
    </p>
    <p>
      CONTACT:<br>Staples, Inc.<br><b>Media Contact:</b><br>Kirk Saville,
      508-253-8530<br>or<br><b>Investor Contact:</b><br>Chris Powers/Kevin
      Barry, 508-253-4632/1487
    </p>
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