Staples

To address the growing need for mobile capabilities, Staples recently enhanced its existing mobile website so consumers can easily shop and buy on any web-enabled phone. For consumers who prefer applications, Staples created its first iPhone application, which can be downloaded for free from Apple’s App Store.

Aside from texting within conferences and the use of apps as repeat business tools, what has mobile to show for its role in B-to-B marketing? It's time to acknowledge the apparent lack of publicized success stories or frank discussion over the challenges of mobile B-to-B marketing.

Walgreen's, Canadian Tire, J.C. Penney, Save-A-Lot, Sports Authority, Staples and True Value are among the brands incorporating the web version of their weekly newspaper circulars into their Facebook pages.

As retailers head into the critical back-to-school season, the industry's second-biggest selling period, they're using an array of new tools and deals to spur consumers to buy.

Tired of waiting for spending to rebound on its own, retailers are taking matters into their own hands. Stores like Sam’s Club, Target, Toys “R” Us, Staples and Office Depot are offering unconventional promotions meant not only to attract visitors to stores, but also to get them feeling profligate.

The move forms part of retailers’ strategy of expanding in the Nordic region. Post the acquisition, Lindell will be managed by its current Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bo Nyman.

"Five years from now, we'll be more focused on our delivery business, with a higher mix of technology, and sell more private-label products," Ron Sargent, Staples' chairman/CEO, told investors attending the 26th Sanford Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference. "There will be more services in our mix, because there is not a lot of inventory and the margins are great.” The company will continue to expand its technology offerings. "We're already the third-largest reseller of computers, behind Best Buy and Walmart, but the problem with computers is that the more you sell, the more you lose — you price them low and promote them heavily."

In five short months, Staples has turned its Twitter account into a marketing insights and sales engine. Perhaps more importantly, the office supplies retailer has quickly learned the social site's benefits for customer relations. The brand has grown its follower base to 32,200 and increased its Twitter reps from a handful to 20. To encourage people to follow the Framingham, Mass.-based retailer, it's employed giveaway promotions for new-to-market technology products like netbooks. Consumers have typically had to follow the company to enter the contests.

Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc., today announced the launch of its new 2010 Green Guide online catalog for small- and medium-sized businesses to Fortune 1000 corporations. As organizations continue to focus on corporate social responsibility, an increasing number are using the power of purchasing to advance their sustainability efforts. Featuring more than 1,100 products from across Staples’ EcoEasy product assortment – ranging from paper and toner to furniture, technology, and cleaning and breakroom supplies – the Staples Green Guide supports convenient and efficient purchasing while driving environmentally sound procurement practices.

Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc., today announced the launch of its new Web site (StaplesAdvantage.com) to address customers’ growing demands for supplier consolidation and reduced procurement costs. For the first time, current and prospective customers – from small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to Fortune 1000 corporations – can view the full scale of Staples Advantage’s products and services, including five newly integrated business-to-business service offerings: Business Interiors by Staples, Staples Technology Solutions, Staples Facility Solutions, Staples Print Solutions and Staples Promotional Products. Combined with Staples Advantage’s complete selection of office products, these expanded capabilities represent the industry’s most extensive offering of business products and services from one source.