David Boone took over as CEO of Staples Canada in January 2018.
For more on Staples Canada and David Boone, read the following:Â
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2021: With more than 300 stores across the country and a strong B2B presence, Staples Canada is certainly a force to be reckoned with. In October 2021, it celebrated its 30th anniversary in the country, having started out as Business Depot in 1991.
Operating more or less independently from the other Sycamore Partners-owned Staples entities in North America – but with close links in areas such as strategy and branding – David Boone has steered the company in a new direction since he took over as CEO at the start of 2018.
First, there was a new branding identity under the Working and Learning Company tagline. This coincided with a revamped store concept for both its Staples and Bureau en Gros outlets. Features of these upgraded locations – which have been opening regularly over the past couple of years – include a strong technology offering, a Solutionshop service area, a café and Staples Studio co-working spaces. The most recent store next-generation store in Toronto even features a patio with a stage that can be booked for talks and community events – part of an effort to reach local businesses.
In 2021, Staples Canada rebranded its B2B division. Staples Professional serves medium-to-large-sized enterprises, while its direct offering to SMBs is now known as Staples Preferred. Other initiatives have included a strong focus on catering to the hybrid working environment, with Staples Professional offering a home-delivery solution.
Boone also sees opportunities in areas such as cleanliness, safety and well-being, as well as in the gaming, learning and creativity segments.
