Staples, a staple of office supply retail, is shutting down stores across the nation, signaling tough times for traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. This move hits close to home for many loyal customers.
Staples has confirmed the permanent closure of two locations in Frederick, Maryland, and Waterville, Maine, while Barnes & Noble also announced the shutdown of its Lloyd Center store in Portland, Oregon.
According to The U.S. Sun, starting with the Maryland location, the Staples at 5557 Urbana Pike in Frederick’s Riverview Plaza will close its doors on March 6. This store has served the community for over 20 years. No word yet on what might take its place.
Fortunately for Frederick shoppers, another Staples at 1305 W. 7th Street will stay open as an alternative. This offers some relief for locals needing office supplies nearby.
In Waterville, Maine, the Staples store is set to close on April 10. Customers there can still shop at nearby locations in Augusta and Bangor, as the company has assured. These closures are part of a much larger restructuring plan by Staples to slash costs. The company aims to close 225 stores across North America by mid-2026. This represents about 12.5% of its footprint in the region.
Staples expects these closures to save roughly $500 million annually. A full list of affected stores is still pending, leaving many communities in uncertainty.
Founded in 1986, Staples grew into a major office-supply superstore across North America and Europe. Over time, it expanded into services and partnerships, but weakening sales have forced this drastic pivot.
Meanwhile, in a separate retail closure, Barnes & Noble is shutting its Lloyd Center location in Portland, Oregon, on May 2. This store has been a community fixture for 24 years.
The company decided not to renew its lease at the mall, leading to this closure. Local book lovers will need to travel about 15 minutes to the Cascade Station location for in-person shopping.
Barnes & Noble shared a heartfelt message on Instagram about the closure. “We have loved being a part of this neighborhood,” the store posted. “It has been our honor and privilege to be your bookseller for the last 24 years.”
The retail landscape is clearly under strain, and these closures spark broader questions. Critics argue that traditional retailers like Staples and Barnes & Noble are struggling to adapt to online competition and shifting consumer habits.
This isn’t just about two companies; it’s a sign of a market punishing inefficiency. Big-box stores are bleeding cash while e-commerce giants thrive. Center-right observers might note that government policies often burden physical retailers with regulations that online players dodge.
For investors and wealth-builders, this is a moment to reassess. Retail real estate tied to struggling chains could be a risky bet, while e-commerce and logistics stocks might offer better growth. Keep an eye on how Staples’ cost-cutting plays out—savings of $500 million could signal a leaner, more profitable future if executed well.
Frugal shoppers and small business owners should also take note. Look for clearance sales at closing locations, but plan for alternatives. Building wealth means staying adaptable—don’t let a store closure disrupt your operations or budget.