More Than Half of Americans Feel Vulnerable to Identity Theft According to Staples National Survey

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A national survey conducted by Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) reveals that 72 percent of Americans are more concerned about identity theft today than two years ago, 52 percent are unsure they are doing enough to protect their identities, and 43 percent wish they had more information on how to protect themselves. The survey also shows only 51 percent of Americans are shredding junk mail, such as credit card offers (an unsuspected source of identity theft), and 43 percent of shredder owners surveyed use strip-cut shredders, which do not protect personal information from identity thieves as well as cross-cut shredders.

“Staples is committed to developing innovative products and services, like the Staples MailMate M3 and the Staples 12-Sheet Shredder, that make protecting personal security easy”

The company’s new “Security by Staples” initiative aims to educate customers about the vulnerabilities to identity theft, data loss, and Internet threats and provide a wide assortment of innovative products and services to help keep identities, as well as personal and business data, safe from these common security threats. As part of this effort, Staples, a leading retailer of shredders, today launched two exclusive cross/diamond-cut shredders, the Staples MailMate^TM M3 and the Staples 12-Sheet Shredder.

“Investing in a personal shredder is one of the most simple and cost-effective steps consumers can take to prevent themselves from becoming victims of identity theft,” said Frank W. Abagnale, world-renowned expert on identity theft and fraud, and subject of Steven Spielberg’s movie “Catch Me if You Can.” “These new shredders serve as another proof point in Staples’ ongoing commitment to helping protect its customers from online and offline security vulnerabilities.”

Staples MailMate^TM M3 Shredder Fits Wherever You Shred

Designed to fit wherever you shred, whether the kitchen counter, desk or office, the new generation Staples MailMate M3 Shredder is powerful – built to destroy 12 full sheets of paper, unopened junk mail, credit cards, CDs and DVDs, and cut through standard staples and paper clips. The MailMate M3 has a 9-inch slot to fit full-size sheets, offering the same convenience of a full-size 12-sheet shredder, but with a compact design. Staples MailMate M3 is a cross-cut shredder, and an easy solution for identity protection at work and at home. This shredder is available in Staples stores nationwide or online at www.staples.com for $79.99.

Staples 12-Sheet Shredder Saves Space and Shreds Quietly

The Staples 12-Sheet Shredder is an ultra-quiet shredder and is narrow enough to fit in tight places, allowing it to be tucked in the corner of any room or office without sacrificing bin capacity. Its diamond cross-cut shreds mean enhanced security for confidential materials and personal documents. This, along with the capacity to shred up to 12 sheets of paper, staples, credit cards, CDs and DVDs, makes the Staples 12-Sheet Shredder ideal for home or small business use. This shredder is available at Staples stores nationwide or online at www.staples.com for $129.99.

All Staples brand shredders undergo an intense independent laboratory quality-testing program.

Additional information about the full line of Staples brand shredders and the Staples Identity Theft Survey can be found at http://www.staples.com/shreddermediakit. Resources for customers on how to assess their vulnerabilities and protect their personal information can be found at http://www.staples.com/SecuritybyStaples and at Staples stores nationwide.

“Staples is committed to developing innovative products and services, like the Staples MailMate M3 and the Staples 12-Sheet Shredder, that make protecting personal security easy,” said Peter Scala, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of technology, Staples. “With our ability to bring easy and inexpensive ways for customers to protect themselves and their businesses from identity theft, data loss, and Internet threats, Staples will be a leading force in the fight against security-related breaches.”

About the Staples Identity Theft Survey

The Staples Identity Theft Survey was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, which polled 1,001 American adults via telephone, and 2,227 American adults online, May 7-14, 2007. Survey results are weighted to US census data by age and gender within region. The overall margin of error is +/- 3.1% for the telephone survey and +/- 2.1% for the online survey.

About Staples Brands

With products ranging from shredders and monitors, paper and staplers, and furniture and accessories to outfit any office, Staples offers its customers more than 2,400 ways to save with Staples® brand products. Available in stores, online at Staples.com and through catalogs, every Staples® brand product is torture-tested in independent labs to meet our strict quality standards — and our customers’.

About Staples

Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world's largest office products company. With 74,000 talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2006 sales of $18.2 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 22 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates more than 1,900 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.