InTucker Magazine

Business Boom

Tucker is undoubtedly one of the fastest-rising business destinations in the Metro Atlanta area.  Each month, the Business Boom will seek to show different examples of how Tucker’s business scene is flourishing. This month’s column is written by our Business Outreach Coordinator, Angela Brooks.

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 At a time when so many retailers are shifting their business to more online commerce or closing brick and mortar stores, Staples in Tucker is reinforcing its physical presence in a big way.

“We are optimistic about the future of retail,” said General Manager Stanley Martinez. “Our customers need an interactive, in-person retail experience that revolves around providing convenient solutions and fostering community, and we’re here to do just that.”

With recently completed renovations to the store, the international office supply chain has stepped up its products and services offerings.

Enhancements include:

• New Travel Ready department featuring TSA and passport photo services, and name-brand luggage
• Expanded shipping services and vendors
• Gaming section with high-end computers and accessories
• Expanded selection of high-end laptops and Apple products
• Expanded array of state-of-the-art office seating

“I am most excited about the Travel services, where customers can sign up for TSA PreCheck or get their passport photo taken right at the store. Plus, they can buy their luggage and go-to travel products from travel-size items to Bose Noise Canceling Headphones. We now offer great options for Total Support plans to help keep your computer up and running, and free tech recycling, when it’s time to upgrade,” said Martinez.

He went on to say that Atlanta is a market that is growing and evolving. “From our conversations with the Chambers of Commerce in Atlanta and learning more about the customers in this market, it was very clear that they would benefit from our expanded suite of services.”

In July, Martinez and his team celebrated with a grand re-opening event and welcomed customers in to experience the newly transformed store layout. The event included a ribbon cutting and a donation to DeKalb County Schools (DCS). Representatives from the DeKalb County Chamber and the city of Tucker brought remarks lauding the re-commitment to and investment in the Tucker community. The event was highlighted by the presentation of a $1,000 gift card to DCS. Michael Harris, interrelated teacher for DCS, accepted on behalf of the school system.

“Staples has stepped up its game,” he said. “I was a classroom teacher for 44 years, and when I walk through Staples’ new teacher supplies section, I wish I was teaching another year,” said Harris who retired from teaching last year. “With all the things it has, I feel like a kid in the candy store. They have everything I would need to make my classroom functional, beautiful, and unique.”

Staples has a Classroom Rewards program that donates a percentage of sales, for in-store purchases, to help teachers to help their students. According to Staples, teachers spend $745 a year of their own money on school supplies. The program is designed to help local teachers to buy supplies for their students. Any Staples customer can participate in support of the program.

Harris said that “working with Staples has been like opening up this amazing treasure chest and every time we open it more things come out.” He added that “they continue to come up with more ideas of how they can give back, and that is wonderful.”

“Staples is also really looking forward to partnering with DeKalb Schools for this year’s Back-to-School Rally,” said Martinez. “Supporting the communities that we reside in is something we are passionate about, and we think this is the start of a great partnership.”

When asked what messages he’d like to send to Tucker’s entrepreneurs and small business owners, he replied, “Staples is so much more than an office supply store! We are here to partner with entrepreneurs and small business owners to bring their big ideas to life. We offer not only the products, but the services and expertise that can help them get to the next step in their business.”

Open seven days a week, the Tucker Staples is located at 4351 Hugh Howell Road.