Staples® Arms Customers with New Tools in the Fight Against Identity Theft

Business Wire, April 24, 2007

Identity Theft Protection Service and Exclusive Internet Security Bundle Offer Complete and Easy Solutions

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Every four seconds, someone becomes the victim of identity theft. In fact, 20 million Americans have been victimized in the past two years alone, according to a recent study conducted by Javelin Strategy & Research. To help make protecting personal information easier, Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS) today announced the launch of Staples([R]) Identity Theft Protection service powered by PrivacyGuard([R]), and an exclusive two-pack bundle of Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2007 PLUS Staples Identity Theft Protection (three-month trial service as added value with purchase) available at Staples stores nationwide.

Staples Identity Theft Protection powered by PrivacyGuard is a service that provides consumers with daily credit monitoring, identity fraud resolution support and identity theft insurance. The Staples exclusive two-pack bundle brings both Norton Internet Security and Staples Identity Theft Protection service together for easy and complete on and offline protection. The Staples/Norton bundle retails for $69.99 and protects up to three personal computers per household for up to one year.

"Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America," said Frank W. Abagnale, world renowned expert on identity theft and fraud. "Monitoring your credit and online activity are two of the most important ways to protect your identity. Staples Identity Theft Protection powered by PrivacyGuard and the exclusive two-pack bundle of Norton Internet Security PLUS Staples Identity Theft Protection are two great tools to help control identity theft and preserve your good name."

The inspiration behind the movie, Catch Me If You Can, Frank Abagnale also unveiled a new book published by Random House, "Stealing Your Life," available at Staples for $24.95. "Stealing Your Life" details how thieves can steal your identity and gives tips on how to stop them in their tracks (see related release at http://www.randomhouse.com/broadway).

New Offerings Make Theft Protection Easy

Staples Identity Theft Protection powered by PrivacyGuard is a comprehensive daily credit monitoring, identity fraud resolution support and identity theft insurance service. The service, available for 18 or six months for $99.99 and $39.99 respectively, offers:

* Daily Credit Monitoring - 24 hours a day / 7 days a week -- Daily monitoring will notify members of any inquires, significant changes in credit score, certain derogatory information, or accounts added to their credit reports by a national credit reporting agency. If no information has been added or changed, then the member will receive a quarterly all clear notification.

* Identity Fraud Resolution Service & Insurance -- Victims who call the toll-free hotline will be assigned a Personal Fraud Resolution caseworker that will assist with issuing a fraud alert with the three national credit-reporting agencies. If a member's identity is stolen, a personalized fraud resolution kit and assistance with obtaining the appropriate legal solutions will be made available, including up to $10,000 in ID theft insurance, with no deductible, to cover any legal costs, lost wages and out of pocket expenses.

* Credit Reports -- Members can receive their credit scores and have access to user-friendly analysis tools that include data from one or all three of the national credit reporting agencies. Members also have access to credit card and document registration, driving and medical records.

Staples is pairing a three-month trial of Staples Identity Theft Protection with Norton Internet Security in an exclusive two-pack bundle. Norton Internet Security helps consumers stay protected from the latest online threats through award-winning PC security and transaction security technology. The solution blocks hackers from accessing personal information on PCs, identifies phishing websites and helps prevent computer users from providing their confidential data to these sites; detects and eliminates threats and risks like crimeware and spyware; and protects against harmful viruses and Internet worms.

"Staples is committed to offering the best innovative products and services available to make protecting your personal information easy," said Jevin Eagle, Executive Vice President - Merchandising, Staples. "Our innovation in shredders, combined with our partnerships with leading experts like Frank W. Abagnale, and category leaders in security software and credit monitoring services like Symantec and PrivacyGuard, represents our dedication to making a difference in the fight against ID theft."

About Staples

Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world's largest office products company. With 74,000 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 2006 sales of $18.2 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 22 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates approximately 1,900 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.