Publications
Publications
  • February 2000 (Revised December 2000)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Staples.com

By: Thomas R. Eisenmann, Joanna M. Jacobson and Gillian Morris
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:10
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Abstract

Staples.com, the online unit of the U.S. office supplies retailing chain Staples, faces a range of strategic and organizational issues as it accelerates its growth. Should it pursue only existing Staples customers or consumers who do not shop in Staples stores? How quickly should it add services (e.g. legal, payroll, accounting) to its product offering? Which operating functions should be shared between the online units and the core business? Should Staples.com be spun off as a tracking stock?

Keywords

Supply Chain; Business Units; Business Model; Growth and Development; Internet and the Web; Entrepreneurship; Business Strategy; Service Industry; United States

Citation

Eisenmann, Thomas R., Joanna M. Jacobson, and Gillian Morris. "Staples.com." Harvard Business School Case 800-305, February 2000. (Revised December 2000.)

About The Author

Thomas R. Eisenmann

Entrepreneurial Management
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