Americans Put off Holiday Mailing Until Last Minute, Staples Survey Shows

Staples makes it easy to shop and ship in one stop this holiday season

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As holiday shopping hits its peak, so do the stress levels of many Americans. A recent survey sponsored by Staples, Inc., found that two thirds of those polled confessed to sending holiday cards out too late and nearly half admitted to shipping gifts at the last minute. This year, Staples is helping to relieve holiday stress by making it easy for shoppers to beat the rush both in store and online.

“Staples is an easy, one-stop destination for busy holiday shoppers”

Holiday Headaches

Waiting in line to ship packages ranks as a top holiday headache, right alongside travel delays and endless holiday music. More than half of survey respondents cited waiting in line to buy stamps or ship gifts as a top holiday frustration, while 48 percent of survey respondents say they complete their holiday shipping in the middle of the season’s chaos or at the last possible minute. Staples helps customers avoid the hassle during the holiday crunch by making shipping easy providing:

• Convenient UPS shipping services available in every store with the availability to drop off on Sunday
• Free shipping for items purchased on Staples.com throughout the holiday season
• New this year, Staples “reserve online, pick up in store” option allows customers the ease of online shopping with the convenience of in store pick up at the closest participating Staples location- normally within two hours of ordering

Signed, Sealed and Delivered too Late

While holiday shoppers are scrambling to ship packages out on time, last-minute also seems to be the way many Americans send their holiday cards. Six in ten survey respondents say their holiday cards actually arrive too late. But sending holiday cards doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming.

• Staples® Copy & Print makes it easy with personal photo cards featuring hundreds of designs
• As an added convenience, customers can order online and pick-up in store
• With same-day photo cards 50% off through 12/29, this year there’s no excuse for the cards not being on time

“Staples is an easy, one-stop destination for busy holiday shoppers,” said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president of retail marketing, Staples. "Whether it’s picking up gifts for important clients or your boss, creating personalized cards or shipping presents, Staples offers shoppers convenient, affordable options for all your holiday needs.”

About Staples

Staples is the world’s largest office products company and a trusted source for office solutions. The company provides products, services and expertise in office supplies, copy & 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 www.staples.com/media. Follow Staples on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/staples and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/staples.

About the Survey

The Staples Winter Holiday Survey was conducted between November 7th and November 14th, 2012 among 1,000 nationally representative Americans ages 18 and over, via a telephone survey using random digit dialing of listed and unlisted numbers . Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the entire U.S. population ages 18 and over. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample. The margin of error for any subgroups will be slightly higher. Kelton is a leading global insights firm serving as a partner to more than 100 of the Fortune 500 and thousands of smaller companies and organizations. Utilizing a wide range of customized, innovative research techniques and staff expertise in marketing, branding, PR, media, and business strategy; Kelton helps drive our clients' businesses forward. For more information about Kelton please call 1.888.8.KELTON or visit www.keltonglobal.com.