Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS), the world's largest office products company and top retail destination for back to school, today revealed a new back-to-school advertising campaign featuring prime-time television star and "Young Artist Award" winner, Rico Rodriguez. The campaign will spotlight Staples as a one-stop shopping destination for all parents and students to get their back-to-school products. Two of the spots, starring Rico Rodriguez, highlight the breadth of products and great deals at Staples and can be viewed by clicking on this link.

Rico Rodriguez teams up with Staples to give the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and East Valley a snea ...

Rico Rodriguez teams up with Staples to give the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and East Valley a sneak preview of the company's new back-to-school ad campaign along with free backpacks filled with supplies at the Burbank, Calif. Staples store. (Photo: Business Wire)

"Staples is the top destination for back-to-school shopping with great deals all season long," said Jevin Eagle, executive vice president, merchandising and marketing, Staples, Inc. "We have amazing deals and a huge selection of school supplies and technology for students."

New Campaign Details

A total of four 15-second broadcast spots featuring award-winning actor Rico Rodriguez will launch July 24 on high-profile national networks and cable shows, including America's Got Talent and NCIS. As part of the campaign, Rico will also be featured in 12 short videos showcasing great products such as backpacks, binders, computers, pencils and pens as part of Staples' comprehensive online Back to School Center. The campaign was created by McCann Erickson, New York.

"Rico is the perfect choice to engage moms and students by communicating that Staples brings easy to back-to-school shopping," said Steve Fund, senior vice president, global marketing, Staples, Inc. "Smart and wise beyond his years, he provides credibility and authenticity to this clever TV campaign to break through the back-to-school clutter this season."

Staples will also produce one Spanish language 30-second spot in line with the overall campaign theme.

EDITORIAL NOTE: For HD video footage of Rico's special appearance today at Staples, please download from the following link: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1174232343/34787bd5d2e50e76da64802dd8f16f36.

Back-to-School Deals

Staples offers unbelievable deals on core school supplies with items being sold almost every week at a penny, nickel or quarter, plus weekly dollar deals.

New this year, Staples introduced a back-to-school Savings Pass, which allows customers to save 15% all season long on top of the already discounted prices. The Savings Pass is available for purchase now until Aug. 13 for $10. It is can be used through Sept. 17 and is valid on all supplies such as pens, pencils, paper and notebooks plus calculators and backpacks. For more information, visit www.staples.com/savingspass.

Additionally, Staples offers a huge selection of backpacks at 25-50% off all season long.

Staples is also offering more savings on the latest technology. When students purchase select laptops and show their student ID or college acceptance letter, they will receive a $100 Visa prepaid card via Easy Rebate. These select laptops include the Dell Inspiron 15R-15.6", HP Pavilion dm4-2070 14", Samsung Princeton 11.6" and the Toshiba R845 14". The Samsung and Toshiba models include Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010 full version pre-installed (a $119 value).

For students who want to avoid any downtime due to PC problems throughout the year, Staples EasyTech services offer a new, one-year "Peace of Mind Package" for $99 on all PC tech support for any new PC.

About Staples:

Staples is the world's largest office products company and a trusted source for office solutions. The company provides products, services and expertise in office supplies, copy & print, technology, facilities and breakroom, and furniture. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and now has annual sales of $25 billion, ranking second in the world in eCommerce sales. With 90,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, making it easy for businesses of all sizes, and consumers. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media.

Follow Staples on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/staplestweets and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/staples.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6799348&lang=en

Staples, Inc.
Carrie McElwee, 508-253-1405
carrie.mcelwee@staples.com
or
Tilson PR
Jackie Guzman, 561-998-1995
jguzman@tilsonpr.com