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Staples has been our trusty supply go-to spot for decades, for everything from toner cartridges to binder clips. But even established retailers aren't immune to a consumer landscape that's constantly shifting.
While Staples still operates hundreds of stores, it's closing once-bustling locations in 2026 as it adapts to stay afloat. It's a reminder that even established brands evolve to withstand economic downturns and market changes.
Here's what we know about the latest Staples closures and whether your local store is among those turning off the lights.
Why is Staples closing stores?
Staples isn't going anywhere for now, but it is getting smaller. Rather than filing for bankruptcy, the office supply juggernaut has been trimming its footprint as more people shop online and businesses shift to digital workflows.
Instead of relying on an old school retail strategy, Staples is increasingly focused on e-commerce and B2B services, highlighting how dramatically the office supply market has changed.
A look at the numbers
The downsizing has been gradual rather than sudden for Staples, but it's still significant. For context, Staples operated 929 U.S. stores in October 2025, but that number slipped to 916 by January 2026, a loss of 13 locations in four months.
While that's far from a mass shutdown, it does show that the company has decided not to maintain stores that aren't profitable or otherwise essential.
Frederick, Maryland loses a community Staples
The Staples at 5557 Urbana Pike in Frederick's Riverview Plaza closed for good on March 6, 2026, after a run of over two decades.
The shutdown followed another in nearby Germantown, though Frederick's second store (on West 7th Street) continues to operate. As for what's next, the vacant space has been filled by budget retailer Burlington's, bringing up to 75 jobs with it.
The Staples closure in Waterville, Maine
Known for being a home to Colby College, Waterville lost a Staples store back in April of 2026. Fortunately, the nearby cities of Bangor and Augusta did not close their outlets at the time.
In its place, an urgent care clinic and a primary clinic set up operations, proving that the location remains viable for other types of businesses. The renovated spaces are set to open at the end of 2026.
No more Staples in Santa Barbara County
The Staples in Goleta, California, home to the UCSB campus (and one of the most expensive areas to live in the country), is also saying goodbye in August 2026. However, this location was open for nearly three decades, making the closure arguably surprising.
Previously, the Staples in the city of Santa Barbara proper at 410 State Street shut off the lights in 2018.
A Long Island goodbye
Another longtime Staples store, this one in the Long Island suburb of Levittown, New York, is set to close its doors for good after a 15-year run. According to reports, employees were taken aback by the news, and shoppers are going to miss the convenience.
Organic-focused grocer Sprouts is set to take over the space as of August 28, 2026. Folks wanting to shop at Staples are going to have to drive to Westbury, Hicksville, or Massapequa.
Additional Staples that closed in 2026
Along with the longtime locations previously mentioned, the following four Staples stores closed earlier this year:
- Astoria, New York: 24-41 31st St
- Bayside, New York: 209-34 Northern Blvd
- Chicopee, Massachusetts: 591 Memorial Dr
- Whitehall Square, Pennsylvania: 2180 MacArthur Rd
More locations may be forthcoming.
Staples is still holding on
Even with the latest and arguably surprising closures, Staples is still a major player in the office supply game. The company continues to run roughly 900 stores across the country, including about 114 in California and 64 in New York.
While the office supply industry is shrinking slightly, it's still expected to rake in over $11 billion in 2026, as noted by Circana.
Next steps for Staples shoppers
If your local Staples is set to go dark, you may want to check the store's final operating date and find the nearest remaining location ahead of time. You can also rely on online ordering and services if a Staples outlet near you closes its doors.
If you're hoping to score a bargain or two, keep an eye out for store-closing sales, as markdowns aren't uncommon while shelves are cleared out.
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Bottom line
While it's seldom fun to see a store you frequent disappear, it's often unavoidable in the ever-changing retail landscape. As we do more and more shopping online, even the most reliable chains are changing how they operate. Sink or swim, right?
As a silver lining, a closure could be the perfect excuse to stock up during clearance sales. Pair those discounts with one of the best cash back credit cards in your wallet, and you could score some great savings.
FAQs
Is Staples going out of business?
No. Staples is closing individual locations, but the company still runs roughly 900 stores across the U.S. and has not announced plans to shut down nationwide. The closures are part of a long-running strategy to shrink the store network while shifting more of the business toward online orders and corporate customers. Because Staples is privately held, it does not publish quarterly earnings, so outside data firms are usually the ones tracking how many stores are left.
Can I use my Staples gift card if my local store closes?
Yes. Staples gift cards can be redeemed at any Staples store in the U.S. or online at staples.com, so a card keeps its value even if one location shuts down. Staples Rewards work the same way and can be redeemed at any store, on the website, or by phone. Rewards do expire on a set schedule, though, so it is worth checking your balance instead of letting it sit.
Did Staples file for bankruptcy?
No, Staples has not filed for bankruptcy. Unlike retailers that shut locations as part of a court-supervised restructuring, Staples has been closing stores voluntarily. That distinction matters for shoppers, because a chain in liquidation often stops honoring gift cards and returns, while Staples cards and rewards remain usable at other stores and on its website.
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