Staples Becomes First National Retailer to Offer Remanufactured Inkjet

    Business Editors/Retail Writers

    FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 2005--

    World's Leading Ink Destination Makes It Easy To Purchase An Alternative To Dell Ink Products When You Need It

    Today Staples, Inc., (NASDAQ: SPLS) the world's leading destination for ink and toner, became the first national retailer to offer a convenient alternative to purchasing Dell(R) inkjet cartridges, making it easier for customers to get the ink they need, when they need it. Underscoring its position as the leading destination for printing supplies, Staples is introducing remanufactured ink cartridges compatible with Dell(R) under the simply(TM) brand in its more than 1,200 stores across the country.
    The black and color ink compatible with Dell(R) 720 and A920 inkjet printers join the roster of more than 100 Staples brand ink products backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and comprehensive product phone support. 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.
    "Dell sells its branded cartridges only through its Web site, but not all printer users want to buy that way," said Jim Forrest, managing editor of Lyra Research's Hard Copy Supplies Journal. "Some people would rather go to their local retailer if they run out at the last minute."
    "Over the last year, more and more customers have come in to our stores looking for ink for Dell printers," said Dave Perron, executive vice president of merchandising and supply chain at Staples. "As the world's leading destination for ink, we want to meet their needs. Staples has made it easy for our customers to purchase the cartridges they need right away at any of our 1200 locations, on Staples.com or in our catalog."
    Staples is committed to selling top quality products consumers can count on. All ink products compatible with Dell are tested by the Rochester Institute of Technology to ensure quality performance. Products are evaluated on the most critical ink attributes such as page yield, fill weight, cartridge integrity, dry time, optical density, mottle and color gamut.
    As part of its commitment to recycling, Staples Recycle for Education encourages the recycling of ink and toner cartridges. For each eligible inkjet or laser cartridge recycled through Staples, the company gives $1.00 to fund public education. The program has raised over $1.8 million dollars for local schools. More information on the program can be found at www.staplesrecyclefored.com.

    About Staples

    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 1,680 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.

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CONTACT: Staples, Inc. Deborah Hohler, 508-253-8509

KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD RETAIL SOURCE: Staples, Inc.

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