FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Staples Business Advantage announces BluPrint - an app and virtual experience that Staples uses to help customers better visualize what facility enhancements can do for their workplace, while also helping them save money, increase efficiency and be more productive.

The web-based application showcases before-and-after comparisons of how the customer’s space is currently being used and the potential benefits they will gain by implementing suggested changes – like switching from folded paper towels to touchless dispensers.

“With the use of BluPrint, our sales team is able to walk our customers through easy site assessments and build stronger, more competitive facility plans,” said Chris Correnti, vice president and general manager, Staples Business Advantage. “We’ve armed our sales force with technology and tools like BluPrint to help them tailor a solution for our customers’ needs, whether that’s a desire to cut paper waste and become more eco-friendly, or decrease costs across the board.”

A recent Deloitte and OnResearch survey of 500 mid-market executives highlighted the use of immersive experiences through interactive technology to improve employee and customer interactions. Specifically, 42 percent of companies are using virtual demos or interactive tools to help improve employee and customer interactions with their products and services.

BluPrint helps Staples Business Advantage sales associates identify areas for improvement and recommend the best possible solutions to solve customer workplace issues. By applying new techniques and investigating new products, Staples Business Advantage will help facility managers save time so they can focus on business-critical tasks, like keeping buildings well maintained.

In fact, according to the Staples Business Advantage Workplace Index, 92 percent of facility managers report they work more than 40 hours per week at least some of the time. Saving time is a key driver to their happiness in the workplace, and BluPrint aims to help make that possible.

“Traditional site assessments can feel impersonal and leave customers feeling unsure about next steps to take in order to make their workplace more efficient,” continued Correnti. “BluPrint changes this standard by encouraging a more interactive site assessment, creating a visual set of suggestions for customers and providing clear direction on how to turn suggestions into a reality.”

To learn more or to schedule a site assessment, visit www.staplesbusinessadvantage.com/learn.

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.

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