Staples opens three initial Workbar in the Greater Boston community

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. & BOSTON, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) and Workbar announced today (Sep. 14, 2016) that three initial Workbar at Staples locations are now open in the Greater Boston community.

Staples and Workbar together are creating more productive workplaces for small business customers, independent professionals, startups and the growing mobile workforce with the Workbar at Staples facilities located within redesigned Staplesstores. The innovative collaboration is driving the workplace of the future where a coworking membership is as common as a gym membership.

Work schedules and environments are changing due to the fact that 30% of Americans are self-employed (Pew Research Center). People need new ways to do their work, yet still have a community interaction with a network of like minded people. Coworking is a next-gen business service now available at three Staples locations.

“We’re always looking for ways to support and enhance productivity for our customers, and teaming up with Workbar allows us to provide a collaborative, convenient environment where business people can make their workdays more productive and enjoyable,” said Peter Scala, executive vice president – merchandising, Staples. “The new Workbar at Staples locations are amazing new venues within our stores that provide our business customers with the creative space, office essentials and support to run their business or launch a new idea.”

The Workbar at Staples locations are in Danvers, Norwood, and Brighton, which are north, south and west of Boston. Each of the 2,500 – 3,500 square-foot custom-designed facilities feature a mix of high-end workspaces, conference rooms, private phone rooms, fast and secure Wi-Fi, printers, natural light, and bottomless coffee and tea to keep the connectivity and productivity flowing for business customers. The vibe is free.

“The new Workbar at Staples locations align so well with our mission to create a network of high quality workspaces with all the amenities of an ideal office coupled with a diverse, vibrant community that enhances our Members’ business and personal lives,” said Bill Jacobson, CEO and co-founder, Workbar.

Workbar at Staples membership costs $130/month and includes use of a single Workbar at Staples location and two days access to the 15 other Workbar Network locations throughout greater Boston. Membership also includes two hours of reservable room access. For an extra $100, members can purchase an additional 10 hours of reservable room access. The Workbar at Staples membership offers unprecedented regional access and value for such a high quality coworking space. A special $100 per month Founding Member Offer, including 10 hours of meeting room time, is ongoing for the first three months, with sign up before Oct. 1, 2016.

Delivering on the value that Workbar offers member in all its locations, Workbar at Staples locations are operated by Workbar with access to its in-person and online community – a network that offers tips and advice, has connected investors and great ideas, and regularly yields partnerships or job offers. To learn even more or to schedule a personal tour, please visit us at www.staples.com/workbar or http://www.workbar.com/staples.

About Staples, Inc.

Staples retail stores and Staples.com help small business customers make more happen by providing a broad assortment of products, expanded business services and easy ways to shop, all backed with a lowest price guarantee. Staples offers businesses the convenience to shop and buy how and when they want – in store, online, via mobile or though social apps. Staples.com customers can either buy online and pick-up in store or ship for free from Staples.com with Staples Rewards minimum purchase. Expanded services also make it easy for businesses to succeed with in-store Business Centers featuring shipping services and products, copying, scanning, faxing and computer work stations, Tech Services, full-service Print & Marketing Services, Staples Merchant Services, small business lending and credit services.

Staples Business Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc., helps mid-market, commercial and enterprise-sized customers make more happen by offering a curated assortment of products and services combined with deep expertise, best-in-class customer service, competitive pricing and state-of-the art-ecommerce site. StaplesBusiness Advantage is the one-source solution for all things businesses need to succeed, including office supplies, facilities cleaning and maintenance, breakroom snacks and beverages, technology, furniture, interior design and Print & Marketing Services. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples, Inc. operates throughout North and South America,Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

About Workbar

Workbar’s focus is creating great places to work that bring the ideal office to you – convenient, affordable, and populated by a friendly mix of motivated professionals. Our growing network of high quality coworking office spaces offers independent professionals, small businesses, startups, remote teams, and other mobile professionals a mix of comfortable work and meeting spaces and amenities so you can make the most of your work day.

Workbar’s hub-and-spoke network is connecting urban centers to well-placed suburban locations, making coworking more connected, convenient, and local. Our robust digital presence and active events calendar supports interaction and community both online and in person; members share tips, ideas, and recommendations, identify the right tools and talent, and are inspired to do great work. Find out more at www.workbar.com.

Contact:
Carrie McElwee
508-253-1405
Carrie.McElwee@Staples.com

Source: Staples, Inc.

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