Staples Opens New Store Concept In Somerville

SOMERVILLE, MA — A new store format from Staples opened in Somerville Wednesday. Staples Connect, which offers co-working, podcasting and community event spaces, puts a greater focus on community, hands-on learning and solutions.

"We recognize that the way people shop is changing, and with the launch of Staples Connect we are adapting to fit the needs of our customers," Mike Motz, CEO of Staples US Retail, said in a statement. "Our customers are teachers, students of all ages, small business owners and side hustlers. Research shows that much of what they are seeking is real human interaction with members of their community and industry, which is key to productivity and growth. At Staples Connect, we do more than just supply your success through product offerings, we wholeheartedly support it."

New elements of each store include:

• SpotlightSpace: A free in-store event space designed as a platform for the personal and professional development of the community. In the nearly 500 square foot space, customers can connect and learn by hosting or attending events such as speaker sessions, workshops, seminars, meetings and more. For a full list of events, visit StaplesConnect.com/events.
• Podcast Studio: Through a collaboration with iHeartRadio, the Staples Connect Podcast Studio provides dedicated space for story tellers and small businesses to record and let their voice be heard. The space features a soundproof room with professional equipment for up to four people, with a dedicated specialist available in-store to help you along the way.
• Staples Studio: A collaborative coworking space that provides entrepreneurs, small businesses and students access to private or shared offices, community kitchens, meeting rooms and brand-new technology. Staples Studio is now available on a membership basis, and members have access to all seven Studio locations and an on-site manager to assist with any and all of your needs. Find a nearby location and learn more about all-inclusive perks like unlimited meeting room use, unlimited black & white printing, TSA Pre✓ ® enrollment, 10% off supplies & services, free parking (excludes Government Center location), free podcasting access and a fully stocked breakroom here.
• SolutionShop: The store layout features a new way of shopping, focused on building solutions for home offices, small businesses and classrooms. Every Staples Connect store features a variety of services to help achieve your goals as part of the SolutionShop, including:

1. Print & Marketing Services
2. Tech Services
3. TSA Pre✓ ® enrollment
4. Professional services offered by selected partners including marketing, tax & finance and legal
5. Significant updates to assortment and merchandising strategy including nearly 1,000 new products and 40 new brands such as Apple®, Sonos® and Bose®.

The retailer opened six Staples Connect locations in Massachusetts Wednesday: Somerville, Cambridge, Needham, Boston, Brighton and Danvers. Staples Connect is located at 165 Middlesex Ave. in Somerville.