Staples opens two new Staples Connect locations

Staples is bringing its reimagined store format that spotlights coworking, podcasting and community event spaces to a new location on each coast.

The office supply giant is opening two Staples Connect locations, with one in downtown Los Angeles and the other in Auburn, Maine. The stores are designed to offer interactive displays of tools for remote work, and feature office set-ups for remote work tools and airplane seats to test products like laptop trays and travel luggage. The stores also focus on providing essential services for small businesses, such as printing, shipping, and technology support.

The new Staples Connect store in Los Angeles will open on Saturday, Nov. 6. Featured products and services will include a “try-before-you-buy” shopping experience; an in-store application service enabling customers to obtain TSA Precheck status for streamlined check-in at over 200 airports; a new, interactive Shutterstock kiosk with millions of images to choose from to customize print and marketing materials; an expanded shipping services area with packing services; and a new tech service kiosk with specialists to assist with tasks such as next-day PC repair and PC/laptop setup and preventative maintenance.

The store in Auburn, Maine, which will also on Saturday, Nov. 6, will feature all of the offerings available at the Los Angeles location, along with a new assortment of wellness products. This location will also have a dedicated Staples coworking space opening for enrollment in the fall. Visit staplesconnect.com/coworking for more information or to take a virtual tour.

Staples debuted the Staples Connect concept at six redesigned stores in the Boston area (Boston, Cambridge, Needham, Brighton, Danvers, and Somerville) in February 2020.

Among the offerings at these stores are a 500-sq.-ft. community space where customers can connect and learn by hosting or attending events, such as speaker sessions, workshops, seminars, meetings and more. In partnership with iHeartRadio, the stores also include a dedicated podcast studio where customers can schedule a recording session. The space features a soundproof room with professional equipment for up to four people, with a dedicated in-house specialist available to assist.

The new format is also home to Staples’ co-working concept, Staples Studio, which the company has been rolling out in select locations in its home state of Massachusetts, along with three locations in Canada. 

“These two Staples Connect store locations were designed to meet the unique needs of the specific communities they reside in,” said Marshall Warkentin, chief marketing and merchandising officer, Staples U.S. Retail. “No matter where or how our customers choose to work and learn, we designed these stores to house all of the resources they need to remain successful. These new stores showcase the evolution of Staples Connect by offering an expertly-curated product assortment, upgraded services to support remote workers and small businesses, and assistance from best-in-class associates.”

Headquartered in Framingham, Mass., Staples operates more than 1,000 stores across the U.S., as well as over 300 Canadian stores under its Staples Canada subsidiary.