Staples Adds In-Store Pick Up, Kiosks, iPad App, And More

By Megan Zielinski, contributing writer

Staples recently announced the roll-out of the retailer’s new omni-channel developments—providing a quality shopping experience for customers with new in-store kiosks, store pick-up service, Visa Checkout payment program, and the brand-new iPad app. 

“Staples continues to innovate and develop new technology to improve the customer experience, whether it’s providing convenient shipping options, making check-out faster or adding mobile platforms,” said Faisal Masud, executive vice president, global e-commerce, Staples. “The recent updates will make it easier for customers to shop however and from wherever they want.”

Staples will be installing more touch screen kiosks in the upcoming months, while updating the technology of kiosks already implemented. The kiosks will be placed in high-traffic locations, inviting more customers to explore over a million products that cannot be found on the shelves of the brick and mortar stores. Customers can expect free, fast delivery of all items purchased on the in-store kiosks. Staples revealed during the second quarter conference, that the in-store kiosks created double-digit growth in sales since they were introduced in stores this July.   

Customers can now shop the entire store inventory right from their laptop or devices, with select products ready for pick-up within two hours of placing an order. Customers can click on the “pick-up today” option listed with product descriptions online. Customers can view full inventory of the three nearest stores within proximity to their ideal location. For products that are not in stock at their desired Staples store, customers can choose to have their items shipped from another Staples inventory or warehouse to be conveniently picked up at their local Staples—both options are available for customers to enjoy with no additional charge.

Now customers can easily place online purchases with their enrolled visa card at Staples.com and with their mobile device—through Visa Checkout, shoppers can easily complete the checkout process by only having to enter their username and password, eliminating the need to repeatedly fill out lengthy credit card and shipping information.

Staples is also introducing the very first iPad app—providing users with a seamless way to manage their Staples Rewards balance and view past transactions for easy re-ordering. App users are also presented with Staples’ exclusive savings and offers, simplified searching tools, fast and customized product navigation, and instant view of product availability at their preferred store.

Staples began its transformation into a digital, fully-connected, omni-channel platform back in June, launching their first omni-channel stores in Norwood, MA, and Dover, DE. The new stores featured the first in-store kiosks, interactive services, pick-up in store and reserve online options. “We’re very proud of our omni-channel stores and this is just the beginning as we’ll continue to evolve our network,” stated Demos Parneros, President North America Stores and Online.