Rumors about Staples going out of business have been spreading online, causing confusion among customers and investors. Some claim multiple stores are shutting down permanently, while others cite social media speculation. Staples has officially clarified which locations are closing and why. This article separates facts from rumors and provides a clear overview of Staples’ store strategy and business outlook. Customers can continue shopping with confidence knowing the company remains operational like the Old Navy.
Staples Going Out of Business Timeline (1986–2026)
Staples changed the retail industry by opening the first office supply superstore, growing from a small startup in Boston into a global business services company. In 2026, the company is moving from a simple “paper-and-pen” store to a modern service hub, using its 900+ locations to focus on small business services, shipping, and professional travel solutions.
Key Strategic Milestones
- 1986 (The Launch): Founded by Thomas Stemberg and Leo Kahn; the first Staples store opened in Brighton, MA, introducing the “office superstore” concept.
- 1989 (Going Public): Staples launched its IPO on the NASDAQ, raising $37 million to fund rapid nationwide and international expansion.
- 1998 (Digital Frontier): The company launched Staples.com and acquired Quill Corporation, signaling an early shift toward e-commerce and B2B catalog sales.
- 2008 (Global B2B Dominance): Acquired Corporate Express for $6 billion, drastically expanding its “Staples Business Advantage” arm for large enterprise clients.
- 2016 (The Merger Block): A proposed $6.3 billion merger with Office Depot was blocked by the FTC on antitrust grounds, forcing a major retail strategy reset.
- 2017 (Privatization): Private equity firm Sycamore Partners acquired Staples for $6.9 billion, taking the company private to focus on long-term restructuring.
- 2025–2026 (The Service Pivot): Launched HomeCare+ and expanded in-store “Experience Centers” featuring AI-driven passport processing, TSA PreCheck, and same-day tech recycling.
Staples Going Out of Business: What You Should Know
Staples is not going out of business in 2026; instead, the company is making smart changes by closing some underperforming stores as leases end and focusing more on its high-profit Staples Professional B2B division.
While demand for office supplies has slowed, Staples is still a strong market player by turning stores into “Experience Centers” that offer services like TSA PreCheck, passport processing, and Amazon returns. This move toward service-based business, along with a large $94 billion market, helps Staples stay strong as a modern business solutions provider instead of just a stationery store.Staples Going Out of Business: What You Should Know
Official Staples Store Closures in 2024–2026
Staples has slowly reduced its U.S. stores from 862 in early 2024 to about 833 by March 2026, closing around 29 underperforming locations to focus more on high-profit B2B services. Recent closures in 2025–2026 include stores in Howell (New Jersey), Germantown (Maryland), and Norwalk (Connecticut), mainly as leases ended, showing a move toward a service-based model instead of traditional retail like the La Mesa RV.
Instead of shutting down completely, the company is investing in its remaining stores by adding AI-powered “Experience Centers” and partnering with brands like Party City and Stanton Optical to bring in more customers.
| Region / City | Closure Date | Post-Closure Guidance |
| Howell, New Jersey | October 3, 2025 | Shoppers redirected to Freehold and Brick locations. |
| Germantown, Maryland | August 29, 2025 | Site replaced by a new Dollar Tree; use Germantown app orders. |
| Norwalk, Connecticut | August 8, 2025 | Consolidated services into the nearby Main Ave “Experience Center.” |
| Newington/Norwich, CT | March 2025 | Retail footprint optimized for professional B2B delivery hubs. |
| Nationwide (U.S.) | Ongoing 2026 | Closing 10–15 sites annually to focus on Staples Professional. |
How Many Staples Stores Are Actually Closing?
Staples now has around 833 stores in the U.S. as of March 2026, after closing about 30 locations in the past year as part of its plan to focus more on its “Staples Professional” B2B business.
While some people on Reddit are worried and talking about store declines, the company is actually trying to improve profits by leaving expensive locations and upgrading remaining stores. Many of these stores are being turned into busy service hubs for things like Amazon returns and TSA PreCheck.
| Metric / Platform | 2026 Data & Sentiment | Corporate vs. Community View |
| Official Count | ~833 U.S. Stores | Down from 862 in 2024; controlled contraction. |
| Annual Closure Rate | 10–15 Sites | Targeting underperforming retail units with expiring leases. |
| Reddit Sentiment | r/Staples Discussions | Frequent posts about “blood in the water” and staff exhaustion. |
| B2B Revenue | $8 Billion+ | Professional services now outweigh retail floor sales. |
| Tech Pivot | Experience Centers | Massive reinvestment in AI travel tools to boost foot traffic. |
Why Staples Is Closing Some Locations?
Staples is closing certain stores in 2026 to leave expensive leases and remove underperforming space that doesn’t fit its new “Experience Center” model. By reducing some locations, the company can focus more on its high-profit Staples Professional B2B division, which now earns over half of its revenue from large corporate contracts and fast next-day delivery.
This planned downsizing prioritizes profitable services like TSA PreCheck and Amazon returns instead of just stationery sales, helping Staples stay strong and stable as a privately-held business solutions provider.
Impact of Staples Store Closures on Employees and Customers
Staples has reduced its U.S. stores to 833 in 2026, which has caused stress for remaining employees. Many report on Reddit (r/Staples) that staffing cuts often leave one person handling the print center and Amazon returns at the same time.
Customers in closing areas like Howell and Germantown are directed to online services, while those at open stores may wait longer as space is used for TSA PreCheck and passport services, focusing more on profitable services than traditional shopping. Workers who lose their jobs may not get severance unless they meet certain rules, creating frustration as the company focuses on its $8 billion B2B division over store morale.
Staples’ Strategy Behind Select Store Closures
Staples is using a “PropCo/OpCo” strategy with Sycamore Partners, separating its valuable real estate from store operations to make money through sale-leaseback deals while closing locations with high rent.
The company is moving from a traditional “Big Box” store to a service-focused “Experience Center” model, partnering with CLEAR and Amazon to use store space for busy TSA PreCheck and return hubs. While some Reddit users (r/Staples) see this as a “sinking boat,” the changes help fund Staples’ $8 billion Professional B2B division, which now delivers 98% of orders to corporate clients the next day.
Customer Guidance During Store Closures
For customers affected by the 2026 store closures, Staples offers an easy transition to Staples.com and its mobile app, where users can use “Store Mode” to find the nearest open “Experience Center” and check product availability in real time.
All Easy Rewards points and gift cards still work online or at any of the 833 remaining stores, and items bought at closing locations can be returned within 14 to 30 days at any other store with a receipt. To avoid problems, customers can use the app to create shipping labels for Amazon and UPS returns, letting them drop off packages at nearby open hubs without visiting a closing store.
Staples Future Outlook: Staying Competitive in Retail
Staples is staying competitive in 2026 by becoming a “Worklife Fulfillment” hub, offering tech-driven services like AI document processing, TSA PreCheck, and more Amazon return centers. The Staples Professional B2B division now makes about 60% of revenue, using robots in fulfillment centers to deliver 98% of orders next day.
By turning stores into “Experience Centers” and using AI to personalize the shopping experience, Staples is focusing on hybrid workers and small businesses to stay relevant in a digital economy.
My Research about Staples
As you know, I am the Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship, and I share business updates on Bizlixo. My research on Staples shows that the company is strong in 2026, focusing on professional contractors and small businesses through its Staples Professional B2B division. Staples is turning stores into “Experience Centers” and expanding digital services like Amazon returns and TSA PreCheck. Strategic moves like AI-driven supply chains, service-focused operations, and selective store closures ensure long-term growth and stability.
Final Remarks
Despite rumors and social media chatter, Staples is not going out of business. While some stores will close due to strategic or operational reasons, the company continues to operate nationwide. Understanding official closure lists, company strategy, and customer guidance helps separate fact from fiction. Customers can shop with confidence, and employees are supported during transitions. Stay updated through verified channels to avoid misinformation, just like Lowes.
FAQs
Is Staples really going out of business?
No, Staples is not going out of business. Only select underperforming stores are closing as part of strategic business decisions.
Why are some Staples stores closing?
Closures are due to market optimization, underperforming locations, and strategic restructuring.
How many Staples stores are closing?
Only a limited number of stores are closing nationwide; the majority remain operational
Will employees lose their jobs?
Staples provides guidance and options for affected employees, often including transfers or internal support.
Are all regions affected by store closures?
No, closures are selective and mainly in specific underperforming areas.
