Staples Canada and Bell announce multi-year strategic partnership to sell Bell communications services through Staples

Bell mobility, Internet, TV and phone services to be sold through Staples retail locations and direct B2B sales channels

Richmond Hill, ON, and Montréal, QC, January 31, 2023 – Staples Canada, The Working and Learning Company, and Bell have announced a multi-year exclusive agreement to sell Bell, Virgin Plus and Lucky Mobile wireless and wireline services through Staples stores across Canada for consumers and small businesses. In addition, Staples and Bell will partner to sell Bell wireless and wireline services direct to medium businesses through the Staples Professional sales team, backed by Bell’s advanced communications expertise.

Staples is a trusted leader in providing working and learning solutions to businesses of all sizes across the country, as well as teachers, parents, students and consumers. As the largest communications provider in Canada, Bell’s award-winning 5G and robust fibre networks connect families, students, and friends in their day-to-day lives, and power businesses of all sizes, including many of the largest enterprises in Canada. The two companies combined will offer consumers and small and medium businesses the wireless and wireline services they need through Staples’ retail and direct sales presence throughout the country.

Store-in-store destination for consumers and small businesses

Starting in late spring 2023, customers can shop for Bell, Virgin Plus and Lucky Mobile products and services at in-store kiosks within Staples locations, staffed by Staples sales associates. Mobility services will be available in 300 Staples locations across the country, with Bell and Virgin Plus Internet, TV and home phone services available in the majority of Staples locations within Bell’s wireline footprint. With this exciting partnership, Staples will hire 800 full- and part-time employees across Canada where they will be part of a culture where they can learn and grow.

Convenient and easy experience for medium businesses with the brands they trust

Network infrastructure is the backbone for Canadian businesses as they innovate and advance in the digital age. As the largest communications provider in Canada, Bell offers a variety of telecommunications solutions backed by its award-winning, reliable network to keep businesses running across the country. Staples is the preferred provider of business solutions for many medium-sized businesses, and with this agreement, organizations big and small can conveniently equip their business across multiple product lines, now including the telecommunications solutions critical to running their business.

Quotes

“We are pleased to partner with Bell, bringing together two exceptional Canadian brands to support consumers and businesses across the country,” said David Boone, CEO, Staples Canada. “In working together, we will strengthen and grow our product and services offering, creating game changing value and convenience for consumers and businesses.”

“Bell is delighted to collaborate with Staples to provide our customers greater convenience and service for their communications needs,” said Mirko Bibic, President and CEO, Bell. “Staples is a leader in providing small and medium businesses the solutions they need to keep their businesses running smoothly and we’re excited to partner with them to offer businesses superb Internet, TV, phone and mobility services on Canada’s largest and award-winning network.”

Career opportunities

Staples associates will serve as trusted partners, providing customers with expert knowledge, unique products, and innovative services offered by both Staples and Bell. Opportunities to join the Staples community will be posted at careers.staples.ca.

About Staples Canada

Staples Canada is The Working and Learning Company. The privately-owned company is committed to being a dynamic, inspiring partner to customers who visit its 300+ locations and staples.ca. The company has two brands which support business customers: Staples Preferred for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and Staples Professional for medium to large-sized enterprises, as well as seven Staples Studio co-working facilities across Canada. Through Solutionshop, Canadians can access a variety of pack and ship options, as well as a broad suite of business services. Staples is a proud partner of MAP through its Even the Odds campaign, which aims to tackle inequities in communities across Canada and helps make a future that's fair for everyone. Visit staples.ca for more information or engage with us at @StaplesCanada on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok or Pinterest.

About Bell

Bell is Canada's largest communications company. It provides advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet, media and business communications services throughout the country. Founded in Montréal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

Through Bell for Better,Bell invests in the creation of a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities with a commitment to the highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. This includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health through national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day, and significant funding from Bell for community care and access, research, and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

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Media information / For further information:

Staples Canada: Pamela Kennedy, 905-737-1147 Ext. 578, [email protected]

Golin, for Staples Canada: Noah Gomberg, 647-475-4721, [email protected]

Bell: Vanessa Damha,[email protected]

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January 31, 2023