Staples Purchases Office Depot for $6.3 Billion
In 1997, the pair attempted a merger, according to CNET. The FTC blocked it, but unanimously approved the Office Depot acquisition of OfficeMax 16 years later.
"Customers now look beyond office supply superstores when buying office supplies," the FTC said in 2013. "Non-office supply superstores, such as Wal-Mart and Target, along with club stores like Costco and Sam's Club, have expanded their office supply product offerings and now compete with office supply superstores. Additionally, Internet retailers of office supplies, most prominently Amazon, have grown quickly and significantly, and compete with office supply superstores."
Amanda L. Cole is the editor-in-chief of NonProfit PRO. She was formerly editor-in-chief of special projects for NonProfit PRO's sister publication, Promo Marketing. Contact her at acole@napco.com.