When it comes to back-to-school, students know what they need. Staples Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) listened to students and created the innovative 2016 Designed by Students collection of school supplies, through a unique educational program with middle school students in select New York City and Austin, Texas schools.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160628005159/en/

Designed by Students 2016 Collection (Photo: Business Wire)

“Staples empowered teams of middle school students to solve real-life issues with their school supplies through research, collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking,” said Conor Kearney, senior vice president of Staples Brand Group, Staples. “Students were able to see how their ideas and creativity transformed into innovative new products for the Designed by Students collection.”

This marks the second year of the award winning Designed by Students program, which provides an educational experience to students with a curriculum designed to foster creative thinking. Overall, students were challenged to apply skills that they have been practicing in school for years to real-life problems that impact them daily. Participating students defined the issues they face, interviewed follow students, researched the retail market, brainstormed possible solutions, built prototypes and ultimately pitched a final product concept.

Beginning July 1, Staples.com will debut the exclusive Designed by Students collection, which is available in several color combinations and includes a range of expandable backpacks tailor-made for tech or snack and beverage solutions.

The 2016 Designed by Students collection includes:

  • Back2Back Tech BackpackTwo bags in one, this two-tone backpack in grey/purple or black/grey combination offers ample storage for books and papers along with a detachable hard-shell case designed specifically for your technology. It fits up to 15” screens, as well as inside pockets for smaller devices and accessories, a side mesh pocket for a water bottle and top expandable bands for gym sneakers or over-ear headphones. ($49.99 online and select Staples stores)
  • Xpand BackpackOffering serious storage without the bulk, this black and red backpack automatically grows to create more storage as it fills up, designed to fit everything students need to succeed, including built-in mobile accessory storage and removable inner storage that can be used independently and cushioned laptop sleeves that fit up to 15” screens. ($49.99)
  • Stow-It-All BackpackBackpacks carry more than books and this bright blue backpack has insulated pockets to keep lunch cool, a cushion laptop sleeve that fits up to 15” screens, a semi-rigid pocket for tech devices and offers added comfort on back and shoulders with thick memory foam and lumbar support. ($39.99)
  • Tech TakerStudents take technology anywhere and everywhere. The Tech Taker makes “grab & go” simple and fast. With this easy bright blue pocket that pops in and out of a backpack and features a convenient mobile phone and cushioned tablet pocket as well as a perforated jersey pocket that keeps charging cables, adaptors and earbuds organized. ($17.99)
  • Snack Water BottleA combination 16-ounce water bottle and a hard shell bottom for snacks makes banishing both thirst and hunger quick and easy, featuring a cap clip for easy attachment to backpacks and available in a choice of blue or purple. ($6.99)

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.

StaplesKaitlyn Reardon, 508-253-4195Kaitlyn.Reardon@Staples.comorCarrie McElwee, 508-253-1405Carrie.McElwee@Staples.com

Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Staples, Inc. Charts.
Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Staples, Inc. Charts.