FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) and Workbar today announced a new collaboration to offer coworking facilities within select Staples retail locations. Staples and Workbar will make more productive workplaces happen for small business customers, independent professionals, startups and the growing mobile workforce in three Massachusetts locations starting in late spring.
The first three Workbar spaces at Staples will be opening in Danvers, Norwood, and Brighton— located north, south, and west of Boston. Each of the 2,500 - 3,500 square-foot custom-designed facilities will offer a mix of high-end workspaces, conference rooms, private phone rooms, fast and secure Wi-Fi, printers, and bottomless coffee and tea to keep the connectivity and productivity flowing for business customers.
“We’re excited to team up with Workbar to offer business people a productive working environment in our Staples stores by providing convenient, affordable space and amenities so they can make more happen during their workday,” said Peter Scala, executive vice president merchandising, Staples. “Workbar locations will provide a sense of community and the opportunity to network and collaborate with other motivated professionals.”
Workbar CEO and co-founder Bill Jacobson explained: “Our approach to coworking is a bit different. Mobile professionals are a rising demographic everywhere, not just downtown, so we’re building a hub-and-spoke network that links urban centers and suburban locations. With its convenient locations, parking and extended store hours, Staples is an ideal partner.”
The Workbar locations within Staples will be operated by Workbar and will offer coworking memberships, pre-scheduled meeting space, use of Workbar’s downtown locations, and access to its in-person and online community – a network that offers tips and advice, has connected investors and great ideas, and regularly yields partnerships or job offers. An added benefit and thanks to this collaboration, Workbar members will automatically be enrolled in the Premier Level of Staples Rewards.
“At Staples, the Workbar space will be a great complement to our existing suite of business relevant products and services -- Print and Marketing Services, Business Services including shipping, Tech Services and office supplies. This provides our customers with the unique opportunity to obtain virtually everything they need to stay up and running and to make their businesses succeed right from our stores,” said Scala.
Jacobson added, “It’s exciting to see how Staples has embraced Workbar’s mission. Being able to get your work done in a welcoming space, among an interesting, helpful professional community, definitely improves your quality of life. ”
To learn more about Workbar’s coworking network, please visit: workbar.com.
About Staples, Inc.
Staples retail stores and Staples.com help small business customers make more happen by providing a broad assortment of products, expanded business services and easy ways to shop, all backed with a lowest price guarantee. Staples offers businesses the convenience to shop and buy how and when they want - in store, online, via mobile or though social apps. Staples.com customers can either buy online and pick-up in store or ship for free from Staples.com with Staples Rewards minimum purchase. Expanded services also make it easy for businesses to succeed with in-store Business Centers featuring shipping services and products, copying, scanning, faxing and computer work stations, Tech Services, full-service Print & Marketing Services, Staples Merchant Services, small business lending and credit services.
Staples Business Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc., helps mid-market, commercial and enterprise-sized customers make more happen by offering a curated assortment of products and services combined with deep expertise, best-in-class customer service, competitive pricing and state-of-the art-ecommerce site. Staples Business Advantage is the one-source solution for all things businesses need to succeed, including office supplies, facilities cleaning and maintenance, breakroom snacks and beverages, technology, furniture, interior design and Print & Marketing Services. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples, Inc. operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.
About Workbar
Workbar’s focus is creating great places to work that bring the ideal office to you – convenient, affordable, and populated by a friendly mix of motivated professionals. Our growing network of high quality coworking office spaces offers independent professionals, small businesses, startups, remote teams, and other mobile professionals a mix of comfortable work and meeting spaces and amenities so you can make the most of your work day.
Workbar’s hub-and-spoke network is connecting urban centers to well-placed suburban locations, making coworking more connected, convenient, and local. Our robust digital presence and active events calendar supports interaction and community both online and in person; members share tips, ideas, and recommendations, identify the right tools and talent, and are inspired to do great work. Find out more at www.workbar.com.
