The Staples Logo History, Colors, Font, And Meaning

The Staples logo represents one of North America’s largest office supply retailers, established in 1986 by Thomas Stemberg in Brighton, Massachusetts.

The red and white brand identity has become synonymous with workplace essentials, evolving from a clever paper clip design to today’s modern interpretation. Staples operates over 1,000 retail locations across the United States and Canada, maintaining its position as a leader in business-to-business office products and services.

The company’s visual identity reflects its commitment to simplicity and professionalism in the office supply industry.

What is the Staples Logo?

The Staples logo is a red wordmark featuring the company name in bold sans-serif font accompanied by a paper clip symbol. Introduced in its current form in 2019, the design uses Helvetica Neue Bold typography with Boston University Red as the primary brand color. The logo functions as both a standalone emblem and combination mark.

Design Type: Combination mark (wordmark with symbol)

Primary Elements:

Company wordmark in title case lettering
Horizontal paper clip symbol forming an arch
Clean, geometric construction

Official Introduction Date: Current version launched in 2019

Designer/Agency: In-house design team (original designer of 1986 version remains unverified)

Trademark Status: Registered trademark owned by Staples Inc., now under Sycamore Partners ownership since 2017

Color Palette:

Primary: Boston University Red (Hex: #CC0000 to #CE0000)
Secondary: White (Hex: #FFFFFF)
Accent colors used in marketing: Picton Blue (Hex: #2C8AEC), Supernova Yellow (Hex: #FFCC00)

Usage Context:

Retail storefront signage and interior branding
Product packaging and private label goods
Digital platforms including website and mobile applications
Marketing collateral and advertising campaigns
Business-to-business contract materials

How Has the Staples Logo Evolved Over Time?

The Staples brand identity has undergone three major redesigns since 1986, each reflecting shifts in retail strategy and market positioning. The paper clip motif has remained central to the visual identity throughout most iterations, symbolizing the company’s core product offerings.

Original Staples Logo (1986-1994)

Years Active: 1986-1994

Design Description: Bold uppercase wordmark in black with letters touching at corners. The letter “L” was stylized as a vertical paper clip with the top bent inward at a right angle.

Color Scheme: Black on white background

Designer: Unknown (in-house creation)

Context: Launched with the first office supply superstore concept in Brighton, Massachusetts. The design emphasized bold, direct communication suitable for warehouse-style retail environments.

Key Changes from Previous: First official logo design for the brand.

Cultural Significance: Represented the innovative one-stop-shop concept for office supplies, disrupting traditional distribution models.

Staples Logo Redesign (1994-2019)

Years Active: 1994-2019

Design Description: All-caps wordmark with separated letterforms. The “L” maintained the paper clip styling but became more refined with smoother curves. Letters no longer touched each other.

Color Scheme: Boston University Red (#CC0000) with white backgrounds

Designer: Unknown

Context: Coincided with Staples’ national expansion and increased brand recognition. The red color differentiated the brand from competitors and conveyed energy.

Key Changes from Previous: Switched from black to signature red, added spacing between letters, refined the paper clip “L” styling.

Cultural Significance: This version became the most recognizable iteration, lasting 25 years and appearing on thousands of retail locations. The Staples Center in Los Angeles (now Crypto.com Arena) used this version until 2021.

Current Staples Logo (2019-Present)

Years Active: 2019-present

Design Description: Title case wordmark “Staples” with a separate paper clip symbol positioned to the left. The paper clip forms a horizontal arch with rounded corners, resembling both the office tool and a simplified desk.

Color Scheme: Boston University Red (#CC0000 to #CE0000) on white, or white on red backgrounds

Designer: In-house design team

Context: Launched during Staples’ transformation under Sycamore Partners ownership, emphasizing digital delivery and workplace solutions beyond traditional retail.

Key Changes from Previous: Removed paper clip from within the wordmark, created standalone symbol, shifted to title case lettering, modernized overall appearance.

Cultural Significance: Reflects the company’s pivot toward B2B services, workplace furniture, and technology solutions while maintaining connection to core office supply heritage.

What Do the Design Elements of the Staples Logo Mean?

The Staples logo centers on the paper clip symbol, representing connection, organization, and the fundamental tools of office work. The horizontal orientation suggests stability and forward movement, while the arch shape evokes both the physical staple and a desk or workspace.

The straightforward design approach reinforces accessibility and practical solutions.

Symbolic Meaning of the Paper Clip

The paper clip serves as both literal and metaphorical representation of Staples’ business.

As a basic office supply, it connects directly to the company’s product offerings. The bent metal shape also symbolizes flexibility, problem-solving, and bringing elements together, which aligns with Staples’ role in providing comprehensive workplace solutions.

The evolution from vertical to horizontal orientation in 2019 suggests progression from static retail to dynamic service delivery.

Why Did Staples Choose These Specific Colors?

Red dominates the Staples color scheme for strategic psychological and competitive reasons.

Boston University Red (Hex: #CC0000, RGB: 204, 0, 0, Pantone PMS 2347 C) conveys energy, urgency, and confidence. In retail environments, red attracts attention and stimulates action, encouraging purchasing decisions.

The 1994 switch from black to red differentiated Staples from competitors Office Depot (orange) and OfficeMax (red and blue). White provides contrast and cleanliness, essential for communicating professionalism in business-to-business contexts.

What Typography Style Is Used in the Staples Logo?

The current logo employs Helvetica Neue Bold, created by Max Miedinger in 1957 and refined by Linotype in 1983.

This font choice delivers clean, crisp lines with excellent readability across all applications. The geometric construction and uniform stroke weight project modernity and professionalism.

Earlier versions used similar bold sans-serif typefaces with tighter tracking and uppercase styling. The shift to title case in 2019 softened the brand personality while maintaining authority.

What Are the Hidden Meanings in the Staples Logo?

The horizontal paper clip in the 2019 redesign doubles as a simplified desk or table when viewed from specific angles.

This dual reading reinforces Staples’ expansion into office furniture and complete workplace solutions. The rounded arch shape creates negative space that suggests forward movement and openness.

Some observers note the paper clip’s resemblance to a door or gateway, symbolizing Staples as the entry point for workplace needs. These interpretations align with the company’s stated mission of making work easier and more productive.

How Does the Staples Logo Compare to Competitor Logos?

Staples maintains visual distinction from primary competitors through color psychology and symbolic elements.

Office Depot uses orange and gray with a more corporate, angular design. Amazon Business employs its signature smile arrow with orange accent. Walmart utilizes a yellow spark symbol.

Staples’ red paper clip creates immediate recognition and ties directly to office supplies, while competitors rely on more abstract or corporate symbolism. The title case wordmark feels more approachable than all-caps alternatives used by many retail chains.

The straightforward combination mark balances simplicity with memorability, following established logo design principles of versatility and scalability.

What Are the Technical Specifications of the Staples Logo?

Official Color Codes:

Primary Color: Boston University Red

Hex: #CC0000 to #CE0000 (slight variations exist)
RGB: (204, 0, 0) to (206, 0, 0)
CMYK: (0, 100, 100, 20)
Pantone: PMS 2347 C
RAL: Closest match RAL 3020

Secondary Color: White

Hex: #FFFFFF
RGB: (255, 255, 255)
CMYK: (0, 0, 0, 0)

Accent Colors (Marketing Use):

Picton Blue

Hex: #2C8AEC
RGB: (44, 138, 236)

Supernova Yellow

Hex: #FFCC00
RGB: (255, 204, 0)

Dimensions and Proportions:

Aspect ratio: Approximately 5:1 for full horizontal logo with symbol
Minimum size requirements: 0.5 inches height for print applications, 72 pixels for digital use
Clear space specifications: Minimum clear space equal to the height of the letter “S” on all sides
Official usage guidelines: Available through Staples’ brand guidelines documentation for authorized partners

The logo maintains legibility across scales from business cards to building signage, meeting fundamental requirements for professional identity systems.

What Cultural Impact Has the Staples Logo Had?

The Staples logo achieved iconic status through the “Easy Button” marketing campaign launched in 2005, which became a cultural phenomenon.

The simple red and white branding reinforced the campaign’s message that solving office problems should be effortless. The paper clip “L” in earlier versions sparked design conversations and influenced office supply category branding.

For an entire generation of designers, the clever integration of the paper clip into the letterform served as an early lesson in conceptual thinking and visual hierarchy. The logo’s evolution mirrors broader shifts in retail, from big-box stores to omnichannel delivery.

How Does the Staples Logo Fit Into The Overall Brand Identity?

The logo anchors a comprehensive brand system that extends across retail environments, digital platforms, private label products, and service offerings.

The paper clip motif appears in various applications, from store signage to packaging design. The red and white color palette maintains consistency across touchpoints while allowing flexibility for different product lines like TRU RED essentials.

Staples developed subsidiary brands including Staples Advantage (business-to-business), Quill.com, and various private label collections, each using the core brand colors while adapting the visual system for specific audiences. The 2019 redesign enabled greater modularity, allowing the paper clip symbol to function independently or combined with the wordmark depending on context.

How Should the Staples Logo Be Used?

Official usage do’s:

Maintain specified clear space around all logo applications
Use approved color combinations (red on white, white on red)
Reproduce from official digital files only
Scale proportionally to preserve aspect ratio
Apply to appropriate backgrounds that maintain visibility

Official usage don’ts:

Alter colors, proportions, or spacing
Add effects like shadows, outlines, or gradients
Rotate or distort the logo
Combine with other logos without proper separation
Use low-resolution files that appear pixelated

Where to access official logos: Authorized partners and vendors can access official logo files through Staples’ brand portal and partner resources. Public use requires proper licensing.

Licensing information: The Staples name and logo are registered trademarks of Staples Inc. Unauthorized commercial use is prohibited without written permission.

Trademark protection details: Staples actively enforces trademark rights across product categories related to office supplies, retail services, and business solutions. The company maintains trademark registrations in the United States, Canada, and other international markets.

FAQ About the Staples Logo

When was the Staples logo created?

The original Staples logo was created in 1986 when Thomas Stemberg founded the company in Brighton, Massachusetts. The design featured black uppercase lettering with a paper clip integrated into the letter “L.” The current version launched in 2019 as part of a comprehensive brand transformation.

Who designed the Staples logo?

The original designer of the 1986 Staples logo remains unverified despite research efforts. The logo appears to have been created in-house during the company’s founding. The 2019 redesign was completed by Staples’ internal design team during the company’s ownership transition to Sycamore Partners.

What do the colors in the Staples logo mean?

Boston University Red (#CC0000) represents energy, urgency, and confidence in the Staples brand identity. Red stimulates action and attention in retail environments while differentiating the brand from competitors. White conveys cleanliness, professionalism, and clarity, essential for business-to-business communications and corporate credibility.

How many times has the Staples logo been redesigned?

The Staples logo has undergone three major versions since 1986. The first redesign occurred in 1994, switching from black to red and refining the paper clip element. The second major redesign launched in 2019, separating the paper clip symbol from the wordmark and shifting to title case lettering.

Where can I download the official Staples logo?

Official Staples logo files are available exclusively to authorized partners, vendors, and licensees through the company’s brand portal. Public access to high-resolution logo files requires proper licensing agreements. Unauthorized reproduction or commercial use of the Staples logo violates trademark protections.

Is the Staples logo trademarked?

Yes, the Staples logo is a registered trademark owned by Staples Inc., currently operated under Sycamore Partners ownership. The trademark covers office supplies, retail services, business products, and related categories. Staples actively protects its trademark rights in the United States, Canada, and international markets.

What font is used in the Staples logo?

The current Staples logo uses Helvetica Neue Bold, designed by Max Miedinger and refined by Linotype. Previous versions employed similar bold sans-serif typefaces with tighter spacing and uppercase styling. Helvetica Neue Bold provides clean geometry, excellent readability, and professional appearance across all applications.

Why did Staples choose a paper clip for their logo?

Staples incorporated a paper clip into the logo to create direct visual connection with office supplies and organizational tools. The paper clip symbolizes bringing elements together, problem-solving, and workplace essentials. The design choice reinforces brand recognition through obvious product association while allowing conceptual interpretation of connection and solutions.

Conclusion

The Staples logo has evolved from a clever paper clip wordmark to a modern combination mark that reflects the company’s expanded role in workplace solutions.

The consistent use of Boston University Red and geometric sans-serif typography has built strong brand recognition across North America’s office supply industry. Key attributes include the horizontal paper clip symbol, Helvetica Neue Bold typeface, and vibrant red color scheme that differentiates Staples from competitors.

As retail continues shifting toward digital and delivery models, the 2019 logo redesign positions Staples for continued relevance in evolving workplace environments.

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan Sandu is a seasoned designer who has been designing websites since 2008.

Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.

His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.

He also wrote in the past years on sites like Design Your Way, WebDesignerDepot, WPDean, Designmodo, Speckyboy, Slider Revolution, and more.