Staples SWOT Analysis, Competitors & USP

Staples SWOT analysis evaluates the brand by its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities & threats. In SWOT Analysis of Staples, the strengths and weaknesses are the internal factors whereas opportunities and threats are the external factors.

SWOT Analysis is a proven management framework which enables a brand like Staples to benchmark its business & performance as compared to the competitors, and make strategic improvements. Staples is one of the leading brands in the lifestyle and retail sector.

The article below lists the Staples SWOT, competitors and includes its target market, segmentation, positioning & USP. Let us start the Staples SWOT Analysis:

SWOT Analysis of Staples

For Staples, SWOT analysis can help the brand focus on building upon its strengths and opportunities while addressing its weaknesses as well as threats to improve its market position.

Staples Strengths

The strengths of Staples looks at the key aspects of its business which gives it competitive advantage in the market. Some important factors in a brand's strengths include its financial position, experienced workforce, product uniqueness & intangible assets like brand value. Below are the Strengths in the SWOT Analysis of Staples :

1. Over 2,000 stores worldwide in 26 countries.
2. Sells office machines, promotional products, furniture, technology and business services both in stores and online.
3. Staples do business exclusively with enterprises in multiple European countries as Staples Advantage.
4. More than 1,00,000 employee worldwide.

5. Creative advertising and branding has enhanced its brand visibility

Staples Weaknesses

The weaknesses of a brand are certain aspects of its business which are it can improve to increase its position further. Certain weaknesses can be defined as attributes which the company is lacking or in which the competitors are better. Here are the weaknesses in the Staples SWOT Analysis:

1. Still hasn’t made penetration into the emerging economies

2. Strong competition means market share is less compared to global leaders

Staples Opportunities

The opportunities for any brand can include areas of improvement to increase its business. A brand's opportunities can lie in geographic expansion, product improvements, better communication etc. Following are the opportunities in Staples SWOT Analysis:

1. Global penetration into emerging economies
2. Incorporation of recycled content gives an edge over and above its competitor in a society.
3. Better customer relationship will help to achieve more market share.

Staples Threats

The threats for any business can be factors which can negatively impact its business. Some factors like increased competitor activity, changing government policies, alternate products or services etc. can be threats. The threats in the SWOT Analysis of Staples are as mentioned:

1. Expansion planning in offerings by Staples may dilute focus on core competency
2. Intense competition

3. Changing govt policies and regulations on FDIs

Staples Competitors

There are several brands in the market which are competing for the same set of customers. Below are the top 3 competitors of Staples:

1. Walmart
2. Office Max
3. Circuit City Stores

Hence this concludes the Staples SWOT analysis.

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About Staples

Staples Overview
Parent Company	Staples
Category	Office supply chain store
Sector	Lifestyle and Retail
Tagline/ Slogan	That was easy
USP	Low prices, guaranteed
Staples STP
Segmentation	Office going people
Target Market	Influencer and people from purchase department of office
Positioning	Low prices for office supplies, electronics and furniture

This article has been researched & authored by the Content & Research Team. It has been reviewed & published by the MBA Skool Team. The content on MBA Skool has been created for educational & academic purpose only.

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