Staples Makes it Easy to Recycle and Save with New Ink and Toner Cartridge Offer; World's Leading Ink Destination Offers $3 Coupon for Any Cartridge Recycled at Staples Stores Nationwide

Business Wire, Sept 19, 2005

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Today Staples, Inc., (NASDAQ: SPLS) the world's leading destination for ink and toner, became the first national retailer to offer customers a $3 off coupon for each used ink or toner cartridge returned at any of Staples 1,200 stores nationwide. The coupon can be used for any Staples purchase in store, on Staples.com or by catalog.

"This cartridge recycling offer underscores Staples' commitment to be the leading destination for printing supplies," said Dave Perron, executive vice president of merchandising and supply chain at Staples. "Staples now makes it easy for customers to save even more when they recycle any cartridge they use for their businesses and home offices."

With more than 2,000 SKUs of ink and toner products sold in stores and online, Staples is the world's leading destination for ink and toner. Staples backs up its ink and toner products with an in-stock and low price guarantee. If Staples is ever out of stock of a cartridge in a store, customers can get it delivered fast with free delivery and $10 off or buy a compatible or remanufactured cartridge with $10 off. For guaranteed low prices, all cartridges are backed by Staples' 110 percent price-match guarantee. In addition, Staples brand cartridges are priced at 10 percent to 15 percent below name-brand prices.

While making it easy to save, Staples' $3 coupon offer also makes it easy to help protect the environment by reducing the number of cartridges thrown away as waste. Cartridges returned to Staples are remanufactured as Staples brand cartridges, or recycled if they are not reused.

Staples also encourages school administrators, teachers and students to recycle cartridges through the Staples Recycle for Education program, a nationwide in-school program in which Staples donates $3 to schools for each eligible cartridge recycled. Teachers can log on to www.staplesrecyclefored.com for more information.

About Staples, Inc.

Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world's largest office products company. With 65,000 talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2004 sales of $14.4 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 21 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates approximately 1,716 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.