Getting ready for the Denver 2019-2020 School Year

By: Tim Resch, General Manager, Staples

The beginning of a new school year never gets old for me. Having such an active role in the back-to-school market as the manager of the Westminster Staples store, I love seeing kids pick out their brand new school supplies for the year, what designs and colors they want, hearing how excited they are for their new teacher; there is always so much happiness in them. I look forward to seeing students returning to the classroom as seniors who have been coming to the store for supplies for years. I also love helping parents who are sending their children to school for the first time.

Although this time is mostly exciting, I can certainly understand the amount of stress that comes with it as well. It can be difficult to keep one or multiple school supply lists straight and to not break the bank while purchasing those supplies.

Below are some tips and information for parents to get everything they need for the upcoming school year, as well as how customers can give back to the amazing teachers who make going back to school something to look forward. Staples aims to bring peace of mind to students and parents throughout the entire school year.

Getting the Latest Products all Year Long

We offer a wide assortment of top-quality products and the best brands to help keep your and your student organized all year long. From last minute due dates to fun projects, we are here throughout the school year to ensure your student is prepared for back to school and beyond. 

To start the school year in the best way possible, gear up with some of the trendiest items for students: 

• Popular patterns: From soothing pastels to bold stripes, whatever your personal style there are notebooks and binders to match. For the animal lover, koalas and sharks (with matching lunch bags) are fun ways to personalize school supplies. 

• Organization with a flare: Keep track of your busy schedule with wall calendars that actually look cute in your dorm room and/or office – with planners that match when you’re on the go. This year, Staples has exclusive Vera Bradley patterns on binders, notebooks and folders.

• Upgraded classics: Forget the wooden ruler and plain folders, get a fashion version instead! Jazz up your textbooks with some patterned book covers that show off your kid’s personality (all in-store only). There’s even patterned calculators!

Even after the school year is well under way and your child may need extra supplies (or decides on a new style), Staples has supplies in the latest colors, patterns available all year long at everyday low prices.  

Saying Thank You to Our Teachers

The biggest piece of each new school year are the teachers who work tirelessly every day in the classroom. Without our teachers and their dedication to their students, learning everything from our ABCs to quantum physics wouldn’t be possible. 

Think back to when you were a student. Do you remember a time when a teacher went above and beyond for you? Whether they gave you extra attention to help you pass a big test, understand a difficult concept or listened to you and helped you work through an issue; teachers continue to leave a lasting impact on every life that they touch.  

To show appreciation for all the great teachers in the Denver area and across the country, Staples has launched #ThankATeacher. This campaign encourages everyone to say thank you to the teacher who has had a lasting impact on them. A recent survey commissioned by Staples found that three out of four Americans reported having had a favorite teacher, and over 83% said that a teacher had a meaningful impact on their life. However, nearly one-third of respondents said they hadn’t thanked them, but wished they had.

You can say thanks and nominate a teacher on social media (Twitter or Instagram) using the hashtags #ThankATeacher and #Sweepstakes and tagging @StaplesStores. Ten teachers’ schools will then be selected to receive $10,000 in Staples gift cards to use towards school supplies. However, the sweepstakes wraps up on September 14th, so make sure you nominate a deserving teacher soon! 

Saving you Money with In-Store Price Match

Staples always offers a 110% price match guarantee in-store, so you can be sure that you are getting the lowest price possible. What does this price match mean exactly? 

If you find a lower price on an identical item, show us the price when you come into a Staples location and we will match that lower price. If you purchased an item from Staples and show us within 14 days that you found that product at a Staples location or on Staples.com for a lower price, Staples will refund you the difference.  

Giving Back to Your Child’s Classroom

If you are looking for other ways to give back to your child’s teacher, shoppers can take advantage Classroom Rewards. Now through September 15, parents can use Classroom Rewards to contribute 5 percent (up to $250 in Staples rewards) of their back-to-school purchases to a teacher or school of their choice. You can shop and feel good knowing that with every purchase, you will be helping provide pencils, books, calculators and other necessities to your child’s classroom or other schools in the Denver area.

I am excited to see what the 2019-2020 academic year will bring for Denver-area students. I also have seen the inspiring teachers that teach in our community and cannot wait to see which teachers are nominated through #ThankATeacher. I hope to see you in the Westminster store in the near future to help you with all of your school supply needs!