Furniture maker partners with Staples

Furniture maker partners with Staples

Turnstone is Steelcase’s small business brand. Photo via fb.com

An office furniture maker will begin selling some of its products at Staples.com and at select Staples stores across the U.S. later this year.

Grand Rapids-based Steelcase and Staples said last week that starting in the second half of this year, Staples will offer a variety of Steelcase seating and table products.

Staples will feature “global bestsellers” by Steelcase like Leap, Think, cobi, QiVi, Amia and Buoy chairs and more.

Small business market

The move is an effort by Steelcase and Framingham, Mass.-based Staples to make “high-performance” furniture more accessible to small businesses.

“Through our new partnership, we’re giving small business customers access to the expertise, craftsmanship, design and innovation of Steelcase,” said Mike Edwards, executive vice president of merchandising, Staples.

Steelcase recently conducted research on small and emerging companies, which revealed "the unique culture and values" of small businesses. The company said its products could help foster that culture.

“We know that the places where people work matter,” said Allan Smith, vice president of global marketing, Steelcase. “Small businesses realize by engaging talent, they can build a strong brand and culture — and the workplace can play a significant role in that.”

Steelcase said its products are designed based on these insights, to help create workplaces where people can achieve their highest potential.

“Our desire is to help people everywhere have great experiences at work,” Smith said.