Staples Velocity Lab Now Open in Cambridge, MA as Company Focuses on Online Growth
Staples Velocity Lab Now Open in Cambridge, MA as Company Focuses on Online Growth
Goal of new corporate location to foster innovation and rapidly bring breakthrough ideas in online technologies to market
FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Staples, the world's second largest e-commerce company, today unveiled its new Velocity Lab, located in the heart of Massachusetts' innovation district, Kendall Square in Cambridge. The lab houses teams responsible for designing and implementing innovative new e-commerce and mobile solutions across Staples global business units to better serve the millions of customers who shop Staples websites and stores worldwide.
The Velocity Lab can house up to 75 associates and features an open floor plan, collaboration space, telepresence capabilities and hoteling options for visiting employees and guests. Staples is committed to not only finding the world's best e-commerce and IT talent, but in creating an environment for them that will stimulate innovation and creative thinking.
Staples recently announced that it is embarking on a strategic plan to better serve the needs of its customers and accelerate growth. Staples will integrate its retail and online offering and is increasing investment in online and mobile capabilities to provide business customers with a seamless multi-channel shopping experience.
"Staples is investing to provide a superior multi-channel shopping experience through the use of our websites, mobile assets and stores," said Brian Tilzer, Staples Senior Vice President Global eCommerce. "The Staples Velocity Lab is vital to the development of our e-commerce assets, as it provides a space to allow our teams to think creatively, enhancing our mobile commerce, social media and online offerings."
Staples also uses the Velocity Lab to host groups of students from top universities in the area to collaborate on research and innovation projects, further strengthening the company's bond to the innovation and technology culture in Metro Boston.
A leader in providing online and mobile shopping capabilities, Staples was one of the first retailers to offer a dedicated tablet site, t.staples.com. It also offers shoppers the convenience of an award-winning smartphone app and mobile site, m.staples.com. Staples online storefront, Staples.com, has 3 million unique online users a week and an expanded product assortment. Staples is also well-versed in social media with presences on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest. The company also recently launched a new global careers site that lets you choose your language and location so you can engage with Staples brand companies across the world, and is also optimized for mobile.
Staples is looking to triple the size of its e-commerce and IT staff by 2014 and is adding product management, usability and creative positions as it continues to invest in the multi-channel customer experience across mobile devices, desktops and stores. People in the fields of e-commerce and IT are encouraged to visit Staples' careers page to view available openings in the new Cambridge office.
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 88,000 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 (NAS: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media. Follow Staples on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/staples and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/staples.
Staples
Mark Cautela, 508-253-3832
Mark.Cautela@Staples.com
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