Staples unveils back-to-school savings plan

By Chris Reidy, Globe Staff

With Wall Street analysts fretting that an uncertain economy will make consumers reluctant to pay full price during the important back-to-school retail season, Staples Inc. is offering something new --- a back-to-school savings pass.

The passes are on sale for $10 from now until Aug. 13, and they can be used through Sept. 17, said office-supplies giant Staples in a press release. Passes entitle the bearer to 15 percent savings on such items as pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, calculators, and backpacks. Some conditions: The pass can be used once per day. And it cannot be used for high-price technology products such as e-readers and tablet computers.

For much of the year, Staples makes a big chunk of its $25 billion in annual revenues by selling office supplies to small businesses and people with home offices. But during back-to-school season, the Framingham company also attracts a large numbers of consumers. As the back-to-school season draws closer, Staples is looking to get the word out that its stores can provide one-stop shopping for most school-supply needs.

“When people think of back-to-school shopping, they think of Staples because we are the top destination for selection and savings,” Demos Parneros, president of US Retail for Staples, said in a statement. “This year, we’re excited to offer our customers even more amazing deals on technology and core essentials. No matter when customers shop this season, they’ll find countless ways to save at Staples.”

This year, though, could be challenging for back-to-school retail. In May, Staples disclosed it was cutting its profit forecast and expansion plans for 2011 because of the slow economic recovery.