Staples, the world’s largest office products company, is making it easy for teachers to have the tools they need to do their job by hosting a Teacher Appreciation Day at store locations across the country. According to the 2008 National School

Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA) Retail Market Awareness Study from Perry Research Professionals, teachers reported spending a total of $395 of their own money in the 2007-2008 school year with first-year teachers spending an average of $770 of their own money on classroom products.



“Every year, teachers reach into their own pockets to pay for classroom supplies. They contribute generously and selflessly, putting their students’ well-being above themselves,” said Jevin Eagle, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing for Staples. “Now in its sixth consecutive year, Teacher Appreciation Day is our way of showing teachers how much they are valued and helping them get the supplies they need to do their job.”



The first 100 teachers visiting Staples stores on Teacher Appreciation Day, Sat., Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will receive an EcoEasy bag of supplies such as notepads and writing tools. Teachers will also have the opportunity to preview new products and services at Staples, such as 3M supplies, Art Skills Neon Quick Letters and Crayola Color Switcher Markers. New this year, Staples is offering teachers a special Copy & Print promotion throughout the back-to-school season of 5 cent black and white copies of classroom materials. Other back-to-school deals – perfect for teachers – include the following items:



Dollar Deals (offer valid Aug. 9- Aug. 15):

• Bic® Atlantis™ ballpoint pens, assorted, 4/pack

• Bic® Brite Liner™ assorted highlighters, 5/pack



2 for $3 Deals (offer valid Aug. 9 – Aug. 15):

• Westcott® 12” wave ruler

• Staples® 2-pocket fashion poly folders

• Ticonderoga® #2 pencils, 12/pack

• Staedtler white vinyl erasers, 4/pack

• Staedtler student pencil compass

• Staples® assorted 5-tab write-on laminated dividers

• Bic® Round Stic Grip™ pens, 12/pack

• Avery® glue sticks, 3/pack

• Avery® assorted 5-tab insertable dividers

• Stretch pencil box



Teacher Appreciation Day will be held on Sat., Aug. 15 at the following area Staples stores:

• 921 E. Broad St., Fuquay-Varina

• 1391 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary

• 1411 Garner Station Blvd., Raleigh

• 250 Shenstone Lane US HWY 70, Garner

• 220 Grande Heights Dr., Cary

• 404 East Six Forks Road, Raleigh



Staples Teacher Rewards is another way to help teachers who spend their own money on school supplies. By enrolling, teachers earn two percent back in rewards up to $15 per quarter when they spend $200 or more in a calendar quarter. During back-to-school’s Teacher Bonus Season, July 15 – Sept. 15, every $1 Staples Teacher Rewards members spend will count as $2 toward earning rewards. Staples Teacher Rewards members also get 20 percent back in rewards up to $200 on Copy and Print purchases when they spend $25 or more in a quarter.



Teachers can also recycle ink and toner cartridges at any Staples store and receive $3 back in Teacher Rewards for each cartridge (limit 10 cartridges per month). The credit is in the form of Teacher Rewards statements, which are sent when $10 of rewards is earned and can be used like cash in our stores or online at www.staples.com. Teachers may enroll in the program at any Staples store or online at www.staplesrewards.com.



In addition to Teacher Rewards, Staples supports the education community through Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL), a private foundation created by Staples, Inc., which has contributed nearly $15 million to national and local charities that provide educational opportunities for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Day, SFFL is awarding The National Education Association Foundation with $50,000 for their Green Grants program, which enables teachers to request funds for environmentally focused projects and Fund for Teachers a $50,000 grant for their Teacher Grants program that allows educators to participate in educational enrichment activities that improve teaching methods and further student learning and engagement.



Log on to www.staples.com/teacherday for more information on Teacher Appreciation Day.



Visit www.staples.com/btspr for even more news and photos.



About Staples

Staples, the world’s largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2008 sales of $23 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples serves businesses of all sizes and consumers in 27 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. In July 2008, Staples acquired Corporate Express, one of the world’s leading suppliers of office products to businesses and institutions. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com