FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS), the world’s largest office supply company and second largest internet retailer, marked the official start of the 2013 back-to-school shopping season today by opening the NASDAQ market with the “first bell.” The company also announced the new Reward-A-Classroom program, great savings opportunities and an expanded selection of school supplies.
“Staples has it all for the back-to-school season, with tremendous savings and a huge selection of products that ranges from essential supplies to the latest technology,” said Demos Parneros, president, North American stores and online, Staples. “Staples supports teachers and with our new Reward-A-Classroom program, we make it easy and affordable for parents and educators to work together to keep the classroom stocked all year long.”
Teachers spend an average of $356 a year of their own money on supplies and instructional materials, according to the National School Supply and Equipment Association. To help educators throughout the school year, Staples is introducing the Reward-A-Classroom program. Starting today, in addition to the five percent in Staples Rewards® all members earn, parents can now earn extra Rewards for a teacher of their choice when they link their Rewards account. Here’s what teachers get when parents participate in Reward-A-Classroom and shop:
- Five percent back in Rewards on every Copy & Print purchase
- Two percent back in Rewards on everything else
Additionally, for their own purchases educators can earn five percent back in Rewards on everything, including technology and services, plus an additional five percent back in Rewards on teaching and art supplies through the Teacher Rewards program. All Rewards members receive free shipping on Staples.com orders, with next day delivery to 98 percent of the U.S.
“Staples knows how much teachers go above and beyond everyday to educate their students, often devoting not only their time and energy, but personal resources,” said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president marketing, North American stores and online, Staples. “We’re dedicated to helping teachers save money year round, rewarding them on their everyday purchases, and providing a convenient one-stop shopping experience.”
In addition to teachers, parents have many reasons to shop at Staples this back-to-school season, from a wide selection of all the top brands to great ways to save, including:
- Five percent back in Rewards on everything in the store.
- The return of the popular Back-to-School Savings Pass, which provides customers a 15 percent discount on supplies. Available for purchase for $10 through Aug. 31, the savings pass is valid until Sept. 21, and can be used once a day.
- Extreme deals featuring items as low as a penny can be viewed through the weekly circular at www.staples.com/weeklyad. For example, this week shoppers will find incredible deals such as Bic round stick pens, 3x5 index cards and a Staples cap eraser, each for a penny.
Staples also has great deals on categories like technology, as students receive Microsoft Office 365 University for free ($79.99 value) with the purchase of select touch screen laptops from Dell, HP, Acer, Lenovo and Toshiba. For all the hottest trends and top brands for back to school, along with the latest deals and promotions, shoppers can visit the Staples Back to School Center and follow #StaplesHasIt on Twitter and Facebook. The Back to School Center also has an expanded assortment of supplies, including a broader selection of backpacks, dorm room décor, and even school uniforms through a partnership with French Toast Official School Wear.
Staples is making it easy for its customers to give back this season with the Staples for Students national school supply drive. This summer, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Staples are teaming up with teen actor Jake T. Austin, star of ABC Family’s “The Fosters,” to help kids get the tools they need to build great futures. From now through Sept. 28, Staples customers can donate $1 or more at their local Staples store with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting local students in need.
About Staples
Staples is the world’s largest office products company and second largest internet retailer. For 27 years, Staples has served the needs of business customers and its vision is to provide every product businesses need to succeed. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples offers office supplies, technology products and services, facilities and break room supplies, furniture, copy and print services and a wide range of other product categories. With thousands of associates worldwide dedicated to making it easy for businesses of all sizes, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.
Follow Staples on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/staplestweets and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/staples.
