In January, a significant leadership change took place at Staples as Warkentin assumed the role of president for the company’s U.S. retail operations. One of his initial strategic initiatives involved reviving the iconic Easy Button concept, which has been showcased through billboards, store signs, and various social media promotions. The familiar red button, which is also referred to as ‘E.B.’ on LinkedIn, stands as a reminder of Staples’ commitment to simplify tasks for its customers. Warkentin emphasized, ‘It wasn’t just a marketing campaign. It was a commitment.’
This move aligns with Staples founder Tom Stemberg’s belief in creating easier experiences for customers. As consumer habits evolve and the reliance on paper diminishes—a core component of traditional Staples stores—Warkentin noted that the company must adapt its focus toward services rather than solely on product sales.
Highlighting new growth sectors, Warkentin pointed to several service-based innovations, including same-day sign printing, TSA Precheck enrollment, tech support, and ‘iPostal’ digital mailboxes. While Warkentin does not foresee a significant expansion of Staples’ existing network of over 900 U.S. stores, he aims to optimize current locations for better service delivery.
‘What you hopefully are seeing is the evolution of a strategy playing out where we’re moving more towards a service-based approach versus a product-based approach,’ Warkentin stated. He believes this transition not only honors the company’s legacy but also addresses contemporary consumer needs.
In the realm of economic competitiveness, concerns are rampant among local business leaders in Massachusetts. At a recent unusual dinner meeting, State Street CEO Ron O’Hanley and Rapid7 CEO Corey Thomas addressed competitiveness with board chairs from various business associations rather than CEOs of the associations themselves.
O’Hanley, who chairs the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership and previously led the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, noted the pressing challenges facing the state’s economy, which include high construction and housing costs, labor shortages, and public transit issues. These challenges have been amplified by a recent Pioneer Institute report that revealed Massachusetts’ private sector employment remains down by 0.74 percent compared to January 2020, marking one of the worst employment positions nationally.
‘Massachusetts has more going for it than it has challenges,’ remarked Citizens Bank executive Lisa Murray, who plans to participate in the discussion. ‘We need to make sure we’re telling that story, so we’re focusing on and highlighting all the amazing things that happen here.’ However, she stressed the importance of facing the harsh realities impacting the economy.
On the philanthropic front, Mayor Michelle Wu announced significant donations to the Boston Arts Academy, highlighting the commitment of local supporters. After an anonymous donor pledged $1 million, the Bogers—a couple well-known for their contributions—stepped up to meet the matching donation, bringing total funding for the school to $35.9 million.
The funds will primarily benefit a scholarship program for BAA graduates, reinforcing the importance of the arts in education. Josh Boger, a former CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, reflected on the impact of visiting students, exclaiming, ‘It’s the questions they ask, and I realize that they’re seeing certain aspects [of my photography] for the first time.’
Meanwhile, Mayor Wu is also focused on addressing Boston’s housing shortages through innovative tax-incentive programs. At an Associated Industries of Massachusetts meeting, she highlighted a conversion program aimed at transforming older office buildings into apartments, offering developers a 75-percent property tax break over 29 years. Wu mentioned that projects totaling nearly 800 housing units are currently being developed, with aspirations to eventually reach around 1,000 units.
‘The hope is to bring more life to a downtown hurt by the rise of remote work while creating more housing,’ said Wu, reflecting on the urgency of the situation. Actual construction has been slow, however; as reported by a City Hall spokeswoman, just 762 units are currently in line, with only a few under construction.
Wu elaborated on the city’s other housing initiatives while addressing concerns over maintaining competitiveness in the business landscape. She stated, ‘the most important draw for businesses is making sure Boston is a city where employees, where people, want to build their lives.’
Throughout her presentation, Wu’s progressive policies, including increased affordable housing requirements and climate-friendly construction measures, have faced some pushback from the business community. Notably, several executives have thrown their support behind her electoral opponent, Josh Kraft, indicating a divided stance on her administration’s strategies.
In highlighting Wu’s leadership style, M&T Bank regional president Grace Lee mentioned the mayor’s fearless engagement with confrontational congressional members during immigration policy discussions. Wu reflected on this experience when addressing questions about her controversial bike lane initiative, emphasizing her commitment to seeing the broader picture concerning urban development and infrastructure.
Although challenges persist—both in enhancing economic competitiveness and addressing housing shortages—there is a shared belief among local leaders that proactive engagement and innovative adaptations can pave the way for a brighter future for Massachusetts.
image source from：bostonglobe
