Small Businesses Fight to Navigate Inflationary Costs, Supply Chain Disruptions and New Workplace Models, Staples Study Finds

Staples today announced results of a recent small business survey that reveals the extent to which small businesses today are impacted by economic uncertainties and workplace model shifts – and their level of confidence in their ability to overcome these challenges. A September 2022 HarrisX research poll of 312 small business decision-makers across America found that:

• Inflation is top of mind for small businesses, with over half (53%) of small business decision makers reporting that cost increases due to inflation have a major impact on their business, more than any other challenges currently faced.
• Supply chain disruption was the second most cited challenge, with almost 1 in 3 (30%) reporting it as having a major impact on their business.
• Employee turnover and hiring (25%), adapting workplaces for hybrid work (17%), and encouraging employees to return to work (16%) were next on the list of issues impacting small businesses.
• 1 in 3 (33%) of small business decision makers say they lack confidence in their access to the right resources or expertise to address inflation.

“Small businesses represent the engine of society and our communities, and what they’re telling us is that they’re having a tough time right now, and many feel they lack support to succeed,” said John Lederer, CEO, Staples, Inc. “As a company with over 35 years of dedicated experience working with businesses of all sizes, Staples understands the challenges small businesses face. We’re committed to offering our expertise to help them thrive and grow in these unprecedented times.”

As a long-time partner to millions of small businesses, Staples is launching a new Staples Business Advantage campaign aimed at helping address today’s challenges through special discounts and services available to small businesses. Staples Business Advantage customers already save over 10 percent every day, on average. With the new campaign, when new organizations sign up, they will now save 20 percent until 2023. In addition, customers will gain access to unique insights and solutions designed to keep teams productive and connected, while empowering businesses to solve problems and navigate today’s working world. This includes:

1. Value: In addition to everyday savings, Staples offers several ways to save money during inflationary times, including free accounts for unlimited users, spend controls and approval flows, tips to manage rogue spend, and competitively priced, high quality private label items.
2. Speed: Staples offers next-day delivery to 98 percent of the U.S. and one-hour buy-online-pick-up-in-store options in more than 1,000 stores, enabling businesses to get the products they need when they need them.
3. Selection: Staples’ expertly curated products and services enable small businesses to work effectively anywhere they are.
4. Human Advice: Staples offers strategies to help businesses make work as effective as possible. This includes thinking inside and outside the algorithm, with 2,000 experts on call and 20,000 associates in Staples stores, providing human insight and advice to help customers find the right solutions to take their dollars further.

For more information on Staples Business Advantage, please visit Staplesbusinessadvantage.com.

The small business leaders survey was conducted by HarrisX for Staples on Sept. 21 - 26 with a sample size of 312 small business decision-makers at companies with 1 to 500 employees. The margin of error was +/- 5.5%.

About Staples, Inc.

Staples brings technology and people together in innovative ways to consistently deliver products, services and expertise that elevate and delight customers. Staples is in business with businesses and is passionate about helping businesses work better. Headquartered outside of Boston, MA., Staples, Inc. operates primarily in North America. For more information, visit Staples.com.

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