As Office Depot Merger Falters, Staples’ Next Step Won’t Be Easy

Staples Inc. needs a Plan B as federal regulators move to block its merger with rival Office Depot Inc., analysts said Tuesday. But whatever that plan turns out to be, it won’t be as simple as pressing the big, red “Easy” button that once dominated Staples’ advertising. Staples’ next step — assuming its challenge to the Federal Trade Commission is unsuccessful — is to continue to do what it's been doing: revamp its online operation, close stores, and seek new products and services to generate revenues, analysts said.