Staples kicks off b-to-b site

Staples launched a business-to-business e-commerce Web site, staplesadvantage.com, on March 11. The company's goal is to meet corporate demands for supplier consolidation and reduced procurement costs.

Managed by the company's business-to-business division, Staples Advantage, the site also features the offerings of its five recently announced business-to-business segments: print, facility and technology products as well as promotional and interior products.

The e-commerce site also has interactive features and information on the company's offerings, including videos, interactive product galleries and online catalogs.

Jay Baitler, EVP of Staples Advantage, said in a statement that the Web site targets current and potential new customers who are "eager to create efficiencies in procurement given reduced human and capital resources." The company cited Kraft's decision to consolidate its supplier roster as evidence of major companies cutting procurement costs.

Earlier this month, Staples reported an 18% decline in fourth-quarter 2009 earnings, saying that it is seeing weakness in corporate buying. l