Staples debuts first-of-its-kind online store selling crowdfunded products

Framingham, Mass. -- Staples has opened an online store whose products were determined by crowdfunding.



The winners of the chain’s inaugural Crowd2Shelf Contest are being featured on Staples’ new entrepreneurial store at Staples.com/fundable. The debut of the online store marks the first time a retailer has used crowdfunding to determine market demand and social support in choosing products to carry.



Created by Fundable and sponsored by Staples, the Crowd2Shelf Contest drew thousands of startups across the country competing for a chance to crowdfund their way to Staples. The Crowd2Shelf Contest was also made possible by the business strategy firm Sprosty Network.



Contestants demonstrated demand for their innovative products by gathering votes and crowdfunding pledges. A panel of innovation experts, including Fundable and Staples representatives, chose the winners based on votes, success of crowdfunding campaigns, and each judges’ understanding of what it takes for a startup to be successful.



“We’re proud to showcase our Crowd2Shelf entrepreneurs through our new online store and help them launch their ideas,” said Daniel Reilly, Director of Product Design and Innovation at Staples. “We were incredibly impressed with the caliber of startup product companies that participated and are thrilled to offer our customers these innovative new products to help them make more happen.”



The winning products and contestants include:



• Folding Bluetooth keyboard
Jorno – Los Angeles (exclusive to Staples)

• Remote-controlled recessed LED lighting
EVA – Wilmington, Delaware (exclusive to Staples)

• Outlet-mounted Bluetooth music player
The Plug Radio – Hollywood, California (exclusive to Staples)

• Smartphone-controlled lighting
Plum – Austin, Texas

• Secure tablet holder
nHand – Tulsa, Oklahoma



“We’re pleased to see the winners of the Crowd2shelf contest now available on Staples.com,” said Wil Schroter, CEO, Fundable. “The contest has been an incredible journey for each of these startup companies, and given each of them the opportunity of a lifetime to turn a great idea into a household name.”