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Staples plans first Lincoln store at 50th and O

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BY MATT OLBERDING / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Jul 17, 2008 - 01:56:08 pm CDT

Lincoln will be getting its first Staples, although not for nearly two years.

“We are bringing the easy button to Lincoln,” Staples spokesman Mike Black said Thursday, referring to the office supply company’s popular advertising theme.

The store will be at 4940 O St., on the north side of the street, just west of where a new Hy-Vee is under construction.

Story Photo
A sign advertising a coming Staples stands at the corner of 50th and O Streets Thursday. (Eric Gregory)

Black said it will be a “standard” Staples store, about 18,400 square feet, with all of the company’s normal offerings, such as office supplies, computers and a copy and print center.

Though signs are already up at the site announcing Staples’ arrival, Black said the projected opening date is not until June 2010. He did not explain the lengthy timeline, except to say that’s where Lincoln fits into the company’s growth plans.

Mike Marsh, chief executive officer of Realty Trust, which owns the land, said he hopes the store may open sooner, but that would be up to the company.

“It could be moved up,” he said. “We’re prepared to do that.”

Marsh said even though he may have to wait two years, he was happy to land Staples, because many retailers are pulling back due to the faltering economy.

“Most aren’t committing (to new stores) because of the economy, but this location is strong enough that they want it anyway,” he said.

Black said Staples was drawn to the location because of its high traffic count and demographics, which include a large number of small businesses nearby.

Despite nearby competitors including Target, Best Buy and Office Depot, Black said Staples feels the area is underserved.

“There’s a real demand,” he said.

Staples bills itself as the largest office products company. It has nearly 1,800 stores in the U.S. and Canada, including a store in Omaha and one in Fremont.

Reach Matt Olberding at 473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com.


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JB wrote on July 17, 2008 2:11 pm:
" Remember when all there was was Latsch's and All-Makes. I never know the difference between Staples, Office Depot, and Office Max once I walk in their doors. "

 Better than nothing wrote on July 17, 2008 2:26 pm:
" It's nice to see the O Street corridor between 48th & 56th streets getting some new life. That area has been a stain on this city for a while. I'm not thrilled to have yet another large box store right there, but it's better than nothing. "

 red wrote on July 17, 2008 2:40 pm:
" Maybe they would build the Staples quicker if the city would have honored the contract to have 50th Street built in a timely fashion. That road was supposed to have been completed in Dec of 2007. So I figure Staples is hoping that the city can have the road built by then (only three years late). On a positive spin, I am glad that this area is finally starting to look good. "

 What wrote on July 17, 2008 2:56 pm:
" Sharing the same block at Office Depot? Stupid!! "

 Erik wrote on July 17, 2008 3:24 pm:
" I don't see Office Depot lasting very long. What's the point of having TWO office supply stores within a block from each other? "

 Chris wrote on July 17, 2008 3:27 pm:
" It's unfortunate that forward thinking planning couldn't have been used in this area. It's central location is perfect for a walkable, high density transit oriented development (T.O.D.) Instead we got more of the same, big box stores surrounded by tens of blocks of parking and not a single person considering walking anywhere, making the area completely auto dependent. Sigh. Oh well, for what the developers/city wanted, the addition of Staples is good news for them. But, being more of the same, this area will crumble in 25 years and we can do this all over again. Perhaps then we will get it right. "

 Chris wrote on July 17, 2008 3:29 pm:
" What: Locational Economics dictates that locating near your competitors is the best place to put a store. Look at auto-malls. Allows for comparison shopping. Locate near Office Depot and Best Buy and when people go computer shopping they'll go to each spot. Further, locating in the city center makes the most sense if they plan on offering delivery of office supplies, which I bet they will. "

 bill wrote on July 17, 2008 5:17 pm:
" Can we get a Dunder Mifflin branch in town now? "

 Tom wrote on July 17, 2008 5:45 pm:
" They should put a Menards there "

 City Visitor wrote on July 17, 2008 7:06 pm:
" Well, this corner is about done. Now if we could just tear down that great looking Guitars & Cadillacs location, we'd be set. I can't believe the way this city allows vacant buildings just sit and look like a pile. Look how many years it took to tear down the old motel out by the airport.

I'll take a Staples any day over any of those ugly buildings. "

 Save the Cooper wrote on July 17, 2008 7:54 pm:
" "tear down that great looking Guitars & Cadillacs" - you mean the Cooper Theatre? I saw my first movie there as a kid - E.T. if I remember correctly. I wish it could be revitalized.. it was a nice theatre but sadly only has the one screen.

(I actually agree though - it's really getting run down) "

 Joseph P. Sokolovsky wrote on July 17, 2008 8:35 pm:
" Give Staples a change...people!!

I live in Fremont, and we have a Staples....their prices are competitive with anyone, the store layout is much better then the other stores you guys mentioned in Lincoln...Staples training program must be a darn good one because every time I go into the store their people are both friendly and helpful. They have an excellent computer department and all that goes along with computers. NO...I don't work for Staples....I am just saying try not to prejudge Staples...give them a chance....thanks! "

 Dan wrote on July 18, 2008 7:31 am:
" This isn't good news. Why must we be so reactive? Think ahead about 10 years and visualize how such a central location could be a hub for residential AND commercial space. Chris' comments about T.O.D. make a lot of sense to me. Even better, take a look at University Place and imagine what could happen with more quality retail with residential condos above it. "

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