How long have you been in business and where is your company located?
Staples Promotional Products has been in business for over 75 years!
We have offices and distribution centers across the United States and Canda, in addition to a global network of partners. Our US corporate offices are at: 10851 Mastin St #220, Overland Park, KS 66210 1520 Albany Place Southeast, Orange City, IA 51041
How long have you been in business and where is your company located?
Is your company affiliated with any industry or professional associations?
Staples Promotional Products (SPP) and our global network—including Marke Creative in Europe and the Global Identity (Global ID) network across EMEA and APAC—maintain active membership and participation in leading industry, sustainability, and ethical-governance associations.
These affiliations ensure our operations, sourcing practices, and global service delivery align with the highest international standards and directly supports expectations for responsible, compliant, and innovative program execution.
In the U.S., SPP is a member of Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) and the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), reinforcing our commitment to product safety, ethical conduct, supplier transparency, and continuous industry education. We also participate in the ANA’s Brand Activation Association, enabling us to apply best-in-class experiential and brand-engagement practices.
Globally, Marke Creative is a long-standing AB Member of SEDEX, integrates the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, maintains ISO 14001 environmental management certification, and is an active member of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) and its sustainability-focused StepForward Pledge.
Across all regions, our suppliers participate in the EcoVadis sustainable procurement ecosystem, supported by SPP’s Green Light Responsible Sourcing platform which provides full value-chain sustainability transparency. Our Global ID partner network similarly aligns to these ethical, sustainability, and compliance frameworks, ensuring consistent global governance across 38 countries. Collectively, these memberships and frameworks strengthen our operational rigor, sustainability leadership, and ethical sourcing posture—enabling SPP to deliver a globally governed, compliant, and sustainability-led merchandise programs.
How many clients do you currently serve and who are your three biggest clients?
With over 500 clients that we manage in-stock program for, SPP (Staples Promotional Products) is the largest brand merchandiser in the industry by sales, number of Fortune 100 client programs and total market share.
SPP holds active brand merchandising contracts with 45 of the World’s 100 Most Valuable Brands as ranked by Interbrand and Businessweek. We work with 68% of the top 25 and 90% of the top 10.
Specific examples include Anheuser-Busch, Apple, Snap-on, Nvidia and Coca-Cola and Subaru.
Our top three long-standing clients include AB InBev, Coca-Cola, and Subaru—each supported through multiyear, enterprise-scale branded merchandise programs.
How many clients do you currently serve and who are your three biggest clients?
Global Customer Since 2009
Staples Promotional Products has partnered with AB InBev since 2009, supporting a diverse portfolio of the world’s most influential and fast-moving beer brands. For more than 15 years, we’ve delivered a disciplined, scalable merchandise platform serving national brand teams, an extensive wholesaler network, major sponsorships, and year-round retail activations. Our work spans brand-specific assortments, rapid-turn programs, and the operational rigor required to support one of the beverage industry’s most complex brand ecosystems—ensuring ABI’s brands show up consistently, creatively, and on time.
This long-standing relationship was recently reaffirmed with a renewed five-year contract, reinforcing AB InBev’s confidence in Staples as a trusted steward of its brands. From nationwide launch kits and seasonal campaigns to marquee sports and cultural events, Staples delivers the scale, agility, and innovation needed to engage consumers and empower distributors. The durability of this partnership reflects the strength of our global capabilities and enterprise-level execution the same caliber of reliability and performance you can expect from Staples.
How many clients do you currently serve and who are your three biggest clients?
Global Customer Since 2002
Our 20+ year partnership with The Coca-Cola Company demonstrates Staples’ ability to support a global brand at extraordinary scale, complexity, and visibility. Coca-Cola operates many regions, demanding precise brand governance, regionalized supply-chain execution, and the agility to adapt to constantly evolving business priorities. Staples has delivered consistent, retail-grade brand experiences for Coca-Cola year after year, proving our capability to manage iconic brands with rigor, creativity, and operational discipline.
This long-standing relationship also reflects Staples’ strength as a true strategic partner not just a vendor. Over two decades, we have continuously evolved Coca-Cola’s program with innovation, sustainability initiatives, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to global consistency. The trust and longevity of this partnership underscores Staples’ readiness to support your brand’s next chapter with the same level of stability, sophistication, and future-focused execution that the world’s most valuable brands rely on.
How many clients do you currently serve and who are your three biggest clients?
Global Customer Since 2008
Staples Promotional Products has partnered with Subaru for more than 17 years, supporting a brand rooted in safety, loyalty, and one of the most passionate customer communities in the automotive industry. Over nearly two decades, we’ve delivered a highly governed merchandise program that reinforces Subaru’s brand values across national marketing initiatives, dealer networks, employee engagement, and consumer experiences—including long-standing support of signature “Love” campaigns like Subaru Loves Pets, Subaru Loves the Earth, and Share the Love.
This enduring relationship reflects Staples’ role as a strategic brand steward, not just a supplier. Through thoughtful assortment planning, sustainability-driven product innovation, trend insights, and a supply chain built to support hundreds of independent dealerships nationwide, we help ensure Subaru shows up consistently, authentically, and with purpose at every touchpoint.
How long is your average customer relationship?
We typically average 5-10% customer growth each year. While customer acquisition is a key area of focus for our business, we also make it a priority to retain them.
Each year, Staples experiences a client retention rate of approximately 95-98%.
Our clients stick around. Below is a breakdown of how long they have been partnering with us.
• 24% less than 5 years
• 28% between 5 and 9 years
• 31% between 10 and 14 years
• 13% between 15 and 24 years
• 4% more than 25 years
How long is your average customer relationship?
The World’s Most Loved Brands Trust Us for Customer Merchandise Experiences.
Loved brands are authentic, rewarding and lasting.
We build client relationships the same way. Many of the world’s most recognizable brands have been with us for decades because they trust us to expertly complement their strategies and partner with them to solve even the most complex challenges along the way.
Do you designclient websites and marketing email communications for branded merchandise?
And are you able to share 2-3 online stores you currently manage for your clients?
Yes! We do!
Our platforms include brand merchandise eStores, gifting and event support microsites, global reward and recognition sites and more. Each gives you the convenient, intuitive functionality merchandise users expect AND the procurement utility you need, including flexible portal integration.
Successful programs must be launched with a variety of communications. And after the launch is over, ongoing communication plays a key role in reaching new users. The following are some of the techniques we recommend and will support by providing assets for each.
MARKETING TOOL KITS
• eCommunications
• eStore Banners & Pop-ups
• Digital Signage
• PDF Flyers
• Internal Posts and Affiliate
• Social Media
Do you design client websites and marketing email communications for branded merchandise? And are you able to share 2-3 online stores you currently manage for your clients?
Do you design client websites and marketing email communications for branded merchandise? And are you able to share 2-3 online stores you currently manage for your clients?
Subaru Gear
Do you design client websites and marketing email communications for branded merchandise?And are you able to share 2-3 online stores you currently manage for your clients?
MARKETING TOOL KITS
Can you provide online order fulfillment for custom orders?
Yes. Staples has the capacity to handle individual shipments, large shipping campaigns, and multifaceted fulfillment projects, including shipping to both business and residential addresses. For efficient distribution, Staples can perform complicated sequential, manifest, multiple ship-to, and batch shipments. Staples operates a 500,000 square foot distribution facility in Orange City, IA with an average daily fulfillment capacity of 3,500 orders and a maximum daily capacity of 15,000 orders during peak periods. Units shipped annually average 30 million. Staples also partners with a diversity partner in St. Louis, MO for additional warehousing, distribution, kitting, and fulfillment capabilities, fully integrated with Staples systems to reduce freight costs and lead time.
Staples is highly versed in the sensitive needs of businesses, including correct palletization, weights, stacking, and delivery appointments for orders. Staples offers in-market support in all major US markets and has experience managing large-scale fulfillment programs, which demonstrates the ability to handle order fulfillment from online offerings and distribution to store locations nationwide.
Can you provide online order fulfillment for custom orders?
Can you provide online order fulfillment for custom orders?
Canyou eitherA)provide staffing, signage, retail fixtures, and POS/ network connectivity at two onsite locations inCharlotte and Mooresville, NC or B) provide inventory management and supportand POS/network connectivity at saidonsite locations?
Yes. Staples Promotional Products currently manages multiple physical retail environments for large enterprise clients, including headquarters stores, event-based stores, campus stores, and permanent on-site shops. Across these programs, we typically manage 5–10 active physical or pop-up retail locations at any given time, supported by regional fulfillment hubs, POS-integrated inventory systems, and dedicated onsite activation teams.
Physical Retail Store Management Process:
1. Store Setup & Visual Merchandising
SPP manages floor layout, fixtures, signage, planograms, storytelling elements, and seasonal merchandising aligned with the brand’s global creative direction.
2. POS & Inventory Synchronization
All stores operate on POS systems integrated with our OMS/WMS platforms so inventory remains synchronized between physical and online stores.
3. Staffing & Operations
Depending on client preference, SPP provides trained store personnel or integrates with client teams. We supply SOPs, training guides, and retail playbooks.
4. Replenishment & Forecasting
Daily sales data informs replenishment to maintain stock levels, reduce shrink, and optimize assortment.
5. Financial Controls & Reporting
We provide consolidated reporting on sales, transactions, returns, category performance, labor hours, and margin analysis.
6. Brand Compliance & Quality
Every product, display, and customer touchpoint adheres to the client’s brand guidelines through our centralized governance and approval workflows.
Can you provide online order fulfillment for custom orders?
Can you either provide inventory management and support and POS/network connectivity at onsite locations?
Do you work with suppliers thatcan be co-branded (ex. Carhartt, Nike, Peter Millar, etc.)?And if so, whoare the top 5 brands you have worked with?
Yes, we have strategic purchasing agreements with many popular retail brands inside and outside the promotional products industry, including Carhartt, Peter Millar, Brooks Brothers, UnderArmor, and Ralph Lauren just to name a few. The top five brands we have worked with include Nike, Adidas, Cutter & Buck, Carhart, and Columbia.
See following slides for examples.
We’re one of a select few certified by Nike to reproduce its iconic “swoosh” trademark domestically, along with the licensed collegiate, professional sports and event logos.
Are there any notable brands you do not work with?
Most high-end luxury brands, such as Gucci, Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada, do not allow co-branding. In these cases, creative solutions are developed to include luxury brand items without direct co-branding such as hang tags, enclosed note cards, custom packaging, gift wrap, etc. For all other retail brands that legally allow co-branding, we can provide their products.
Do you have capabilities to design and manage pop up shops?
Yes, we have the capabilities to design and manage pop-up shops, both virtual and physical.
We offer fast, turnkey service throughout design, launch, and management, including experience design, promotional communications, branded merchandise sourcing, inventory management, reporting, redemption planning, cashiering, fulfillment, kitting, and more.
Our services include creating fully functional e-stores and unique virtual pop-up shops for special events, as well as providing onsite and traveling store services for major clients. Our retail services department provides planning, design, management, consultation, operational and merchandising support for on-site company stores, tradeshows, and all corporate and temporary sales programs.
We also offer custom kitting, packaging, and a wide range of decoration and fulfillment services to support your pop-up shop needs.
Can you provide online order fulfillment for custom orders? Do you have capabilities to design and manage pop up shops?
Do you have capabilities to design and manage pop up shops?
Do you have analytics dashboards with website performance in real-time that you share with clients?
Data is shared with clients through real-time reporting dashboard available 24/7/365.
• Sustainability
• Annual Sales
• Inventory
• Top Sellers
• Customer Satisfaction
• Orders
Do you have a sales share model in place with your clients? If so, can you provide a high-level overview of the model?
SPP proposes a pricing structure that provides full value transparency and consistency.
We are open to further discussion.
What is your consignment strategy?
We would like to better understand your existing customer owned inventory. By comprehensively reviewing this information, we can better align our inventory assumptions and provide a business model that is mutually beneficial. Typically, we have standard rates per pallet and/or bin per month and there is a fee for fulfillment and handling included in the cost of the item.
Would you be able to purchase our existing inventory if awarded, and what would that transition plan look like?
Yes, Staples can assume existing inventory that will be mutually agreed upon with Lowe's.
Our objective is to sell through the previous inventory within three months, ensuring the new estore has a refreshed collection for Lowe's users. Additionally, we need to understand your existing inventory and contractual obligations in order to best align our inventory assumptions and provide a smooth transition for Lowe's.
Can you provide online order fulfillment for custom orders? Would you be able to purchase our existing inventory if awarded, and what would that transition plan look like?
Can you provide online order fulfillment for custom orders? Would you be able to purchase our existing inventory if awarded, and what would that transition plan look like?
What shipping rates do you offer for client merchandise websites?
Staples, Inc. spends more than $700 million dollars per year in freight and logistics services. The volume allows us to negotiate favorable rates with our primary carriers and realize significant savings through operational efficiencies.
As one of the largest shippers of goods in the US, Staples has some of the most favorable shipping rates available to offer our customers. Your program users will know the precise cost of their freight choice before they conclude their phone or Web order.
Our methodology increases service satisfaction by giving your users a choice in how fast the order is shipped and reducing stress that the merchandise will be received in time to meet event deadlines.At the same time, it reduces your total freight costs by as much as 25% over competitive programs. By allowing users to compare the exact cost of all options and choosing the most efficient speed.
By showing users exactly how much more expedited shipping costs and allowing them to weigh the cost of expedited shipment against the benefit. Users often choose a slower shipping speed when they are allowed to see how much “next-day” freight services cost by giving users lower-cost expedited service options such as 2-Day
Will you sell third-partymerchandising (not sourced and produced by you) on client websites,onsite stores and pop-up stores? If so, what requirements/fees arethere?
We would like to better understand your existing customer owned inventory. By comprehensively reviewing this information, we can better align our inventory assumptions and provide a business model that is mutually beneficial.
The standard rate at which we charge storage and pallet fees for consignment inventory are as follows:
• Storage fee of $15.00 per pallet per month. The dimensions of a “pallet” are 40” x 48”.
• Storage fee of $5.00 per bin per month. The dimensions of a “bin” are 24’’L x 13”W x 13”H
• A 20% fulfillment and handling fee which will be included in the total sale price of the item.
Can you offer white glove services for multiple clients/projects at a time (response times within 1 day, delivery tracking, reporting, inventory management, etc.)
• Staples Promotional Products delivers a white-glove account management model built to support Lowe’s strategic goals with speed, accuracy, and high-touch service across multiple concurrent projects.
• White-Glove, Multi-Project Support
• We are fully equipped to provide premium service for multiple clients and projects simultaneously, including:
• 1-day response times for all inquiries
• End-to-end delivery coordination, tracking, and issue resolution
• Comprehensive reporting on orders, spend, usage, and inventory
• Inventory management supported by dedicated analysts and automated replenishment
• Operational redundancy ensuring consistent service during peak demand
Can you offer white glove services for multiple clients/projectsat atime(response times within 1day, deliverytracking,reporting, inventory management, etc.)
• Dedicated Team for Lowe’s
• Account Manager – Primary point of contact, ensuring all programs, merchandise strategies, and custom initiatives align with Lowe’s business needs.
• Customer Success Manager – Connects account, sales, and operations teams to ensure Lowe’s priorities translate into seamless execution and continuous improvement.
• Account Services Manager – Manages day-to-day program operations, including order accuracy, reporting, fulfillment, and in-stock program performance.
• Special Order Team – Provides expert support for custom merchandise and event-based needs with full knowledge of Lowe’s brand standards.
• Customer Service Team – Offers dedicated, toll-free support for Lowe’s buyers with rapid problem resolution and product recommendations.
• Integrated Operational Support
• Lowe’s receives full access to Staples’internal infrastructure—IT, marketing, creative, merchandising, import, logistics, and warehouse teams— ensuring a scalable, reliable, and high-touch support model across all initiatives.
Can you provide online order fulfillment for custom orders?
Can you offer white glove services for multiple clients/projects at a time (response times within 1 day, delivery tracking, reporting, inventory management, etc.)
Can you create branded merch that is entirely custom and unique for Lowe's (new product molds, specialty kitting, etc.)
Our approach to product design and development begins with a Lowe’s Needs Analysis where we identify the objectives or goals the product is to serve, the messaging it should support, the desired price point, and the audience for which the product should be designed and tested. If a similar product does not exist, our award-winning designers can help design the product.
We custom design and manufacture exclusive items for our clients that are available nowhere else. Staples uses our established vetted relationships with socially and legally compliant factories to add custom products to client programs. Such items make your eStore assortment completely unique from other brand merchandise programs.
We have been importing products into this country for over 30 years and have our own Global Sourcing division to establish and maintain our growing list of factory direct relationships. Our team has best cost manufacturers in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, as some Mediterranean countries. We also source specialty items from many other countries such as Germany, Italy, and Mexico.
We create and produce a wide range of custom products including jewelry, plush toys, models and displays used for patient education, custom-designed apparel and caps, drinkware (glasses, mugs), die-cast commemoratives and vehicles, packaging, and many others.
For example, Salesforce entrusted us to craft the Salesforce 3D Trailblazer plush. It was the first ever transformation of Salesforce's 2D Trailblazer characters to a 3D plush collectible. It had to be fully compliant with child safety standards (all plush legally classified as children's toys). First-ever transformation of Salesforce’s 2D Trailblazer characters into 3D plush collectibles.
Can you provide online order fulfillment for custom orders?
Can you create branded merch that is entirely custom and unique for Lowe's (new product molds, specialty kitting, etc.)
Are there any additional services/capabilities that your company provides that are relevant to our needs?
• Staples Promotional Products provides a wide range of additional services and capabilities relevant to your needs, including global branded merchandise solutions, in-house program management, and customized service offerings. Staples owns and operates full-service distribution platforms in the US, Canada, and Europe, and partners with over 30 promotional products companies worldwide to ensure local account services and merchandise experiences.
• Additionally, Staples provides on-site event support, pop-up shops, employee engagement solutions through our best-in-class software, creative strategy and support, advanced reporting dashboards, and comprehensive fulfillment services including kitting, packaging, and international shipping.
• Our solutions-based approach includes brand strategy, product sourcing, inventory management, eCommerce platform development, and dedicated account management teams to ensure alignment with your organizational objectives.
• Our team also brings proven licensing expertise, including work under our NFL license, navigating league rights, approvals, and brand standards to deliver compliant, high-impact merchandise—capabilities that translate seamlessly to Lowe’s partnership and promotional initiatives.
