Staples, the US-based office products retailer, is about to implement strategic changes that will extend its record of double digit growth. Amongst the changes is a possible move into providing services for small businesses and the re-design of some of its stores to make them business only outlets. Chairman Tom Stemberg still sees ample opportunity for growth and says he is not counting on the US economy to bale the company out.
The company has already begun a pilot programme in the US where stores offer the services of a technician to visit customers' offices to install wireless networks or new software, or connect peripherals. It already has the scheme in place in Canada. The re-designed stores are expected to follow the Dutch model where the company does not service the consumer market.
30-Jan-2002
