And the online movement continues. Just this past Friday, Staples announced its plan to shut down more than 225 stores and shift to a completely online venue in the wake of steadily declining shares. Notably the largest office-supply store in the nation, Staples has suffered in sales due to fierce online competitors — specifically from Amazon.
The shifting digital age has led to a decreased demand for products like toner, ink and paper, and with more than 50% of Staples sales occurring online, the retailer has recognized the changing needs of its customers by focusing more on online sales and less on its physical stores, which will shrink by 12% in North America as part of this new plan.
Oh how the times have changed. I have vivid memories of shopping at Staples for hours at the beginning of August each and every school year. There was something so exciting about stocking up on overpriced school supplies — a girl could never have enough gel pens! Although this shopping spree was fun for me, it was less fun for those paying the bill, a.k.a. my parents. This is where the Amazon evolution comes into play.
Starting in high school I was introduced to an epic game changer: purchasing used textbooks on Amazon for a STEAL compared to the outrageous prices of greedy text book companies. I couldn’t tell you the last time I purchased anything from a book company or book store. Amazon has changed the way we purchase and read books of every kind. Instead of watching crammed book shelves gather dust, we can now store an unlimited number of books, newspapers and magazines all within a 10” screen known as the Kindle.
This begs the question: Who can compete with the likes of online distributors such as Amazon? Until further notice, they’ve taken full ownership of the online sales space and have made it increasingly difficult for those in competition… and I can’t say I’m too disappointed.
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