Staples 2Q sales up 18%

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. Staples reported that total company sales for the second quarter increased 18% to $5.1 billion compared to the second quarter of 2007. Net income declined 16% year over year to $150 million, and earnings per share, on a diluted basis, decreased 16% 21 cents, from the 25 cents.

“I am proud of our team for continuing to manage our business carefully during challenging economic times,” said Ron Sargent, Staples’ chairman and ceo. “We are optimistic about the future for each of our three businesses. We’re excited about the opportunity to drive immediate shareholder value by integrating the Corporate Express acquisition into our North American Delivery business, we’re working hard to improve store productivity in North American Retail, and we’re taking the right steps to build on our foundation for long term growth in International markets.”