Miracles Take Place with the Push of Staples Easy Button; Breakout Advertisement ''The Wall'' Builds on Staples Brand Identity

"The Wall" is a breakout spot that differentiates Staples as abrand that makes life easier," said Shira Goodman, executive vicepresident of marketing for Staples. "The Easy Button is an icon forhow Staples makes it easy and through our advertising we are able tohave fun and make that fundamental business strategy link."

The 30-second "The Wall" commercial created by McCann Erickson,opens on an Emperor in ancient China, standing on a grassy rollinghill, staring off into the distance with a small group of consortsbehind him. Galloping towards the Emperor is a large army of fiercewarriors. As they approach, a consort pulls out an ornate lacquer box.One of the Emperor's men opens it and inside is an Easy Button. Withthe warriors dangerously close, the Emperor confidently steps forwardwith his arms crossed and his has one of his warriors confidentlypushes the Easy Button.

Suddenly, the ground rumbles dramatically. A cloud of dust appearsand we see a wall quickly rise from the ground behind the Emperor. Thecommercial cuts to reveal it's none other than the Great Wall of Chinathat has sprung up out of the earth. Unfortunately for the Emperor,the Great Wall has sprung up behind him, separating him from hisconsorts. He wears a deadpan expression as he stands before theopposing army, completely alone and says "dang."

With 500,000 sold in 2005, Staples continues to carry itssignature Easy Button desk accessory in stores and online as a quirkyand fun item, perfect for the office. In support of The StaplesFoundation for Learning(TM)'s commitment of $1 million to Boys & GirlsClub of America, Staples, Inc. will donate 2005 proceeds from sales ofthe Easy Button (TM), up to $1 million, to the organization.

About Staples

Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 andtoday is the world's largest office products company. With 65,000talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buya wide range of office products, including supplies, technology,furniture, and business services. With 2004 sales of $14.4 billion,Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-basedbusinesses to Fortune 500 companies in 21 countries throughout Northand South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston,Staples operates approximately 1,716 office superstores and alsoserves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce andcontract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.