Staples Launches “8 Was Easy” Campaign Today

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 25, 2012-- Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS), the world's largest office products company and second largest internet retailer, today debuts its ‘8 Was Easy’ campaign and celebrates the arrival of Windows 8. Staples makes buying a Windows 8-based computer or tablet easier with the ‘8 Was Easy’ launch program.

“Only Staples can make buying technology easy with our ‘8 Was Easy’ program and the more than 4,000 Certified Advisors in our stores,” said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president, Marketing, Staples. “People rely on their computers to store critical data and priceless memories, like photos. Our new ad campaign showcases how much easier Staples can make upgrading to a new Windows 8-based PC with our ‘8 Was Easy’ launch program, which includes free training, data transfer and phone support.”

Directed by American film director, producer and screenwriter, Peter Farrelly, the ‘8 Was Easy’ campaign features a humorous look at the real-life situations people face with technology, and how Staples can eliminate the hassle involved in upgrading by making it easy with free personalized training, free data transfer and expert advice. Airing nationally on Fri., Oct. 26, on high profile network and cable shows such as NCIS, The Good Wife and Dancing with the Stars, the campaign will include two, 15-second and one, 30-second television spots and online.

The Staples ‘8 Was Easy’ launch program includes free personalized training, free support and free startup with the purchase of any Windows 8-based computer or tablet. Consumers who purchase any Windows 8-based PC regularly priced $699 and above will also receive free data transfer from their old computer. For specific details visit Staples.com.

Available starting today, on a great selection of hardware designs, Windows 8 features a Start screen, live tiles that make it fun and easy to navigate with touch or a mouse and keyboard, apps for work and play in the Windows Store and more.

Staples customers nationwide can experience Windows 8 on the latest computers and tablets, and get help selecting the right computer with support from our more than 4,000 Certified Advisors. These advisors are Staples associates who have become certified by Microsoft Corp. with extensive product and new operating system knowledge. These Advisors will assist customers with personalized one-on-one training and equip them with the knowledge necessary to use the great features of Windows 8.

About Staples

Staples is the world’s largest office products company and a trusted source for office solutions. The company provides products, services and expertise in office supplies, copy & print, technology, facilities and breakroom, and furniture. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and now has annual sales of $25 billion, ranking second in the world in eCommerce sales. With 88,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, making it easy for businesses of all sizes and consumers. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media.

Follow Staples on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/staples and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/staples.

Source: Staples, Inc.

Staples
Carrie McElwee, 508-253-1405
Carrie.McElwee@Staples.com
or
Karen Pevenstein, 508-253-0879
Karen.Pevenstein@Staples.com