Staples was founded in 1986 after Tom Stemberg’s typewriter ribbon broke over Fourth of July weekend. He saw an opportunity in the market for a one-stop supplier for office supplies. Ten months later, the first Staples store opened in Brighton, MA. Staples.com was launched in 1998, becoming one of the first online storefronts.

In 1998, Staples also acquired Quill, an office supplier that had built a strong presence into the Midwest. 2003 brought the iconic easy button to TVs across the United States. In 2019, Staples underwent a brand transformation – sharing a new logo and brand values – positioning the retailer as a "worklife fulfillment" firm.