Staples, the office supply retailer everyone knows, is taking a pretty bold step into health and vision care. They’re teaming up with Now Optics, which owns Stanton Optical. This partnership means you’ll soon find Stanton Optical eye care and eyewear centers inside select Staples stores in the Philadelphia area.
They’re starting with five pilot locations. It’s clear Staples wants to become more than just a place for paper and pens—they’re eyeing the booming optical market and hoping to become your go-to for more services.
Staples’ Vision for Diversification
Staples has spent the past few years looking for ways to branch out from just selling office supplies. As people expect more from their shopping trips, retailers are trying to offer a mix of products and services under one roof.
The Stanton Optical partnership fits right into this trend. Now, Staples can offer professional eye care along with everything else they sell.
Marshall Warkentin, president of Staples U.S. Retail, says adding optical care shows Staples wants to serve local communities with services they can trust. Staples isn’t just about products anymore—they want you to check more things off your to-do list in one place.
Stanton Optical’s Role in the Partnership
Stanton Optical, which already has over 300 locations nationwide, brings serious know-how to these new in-store clinics. Each center inside Staples will be a full-on eye care facility, about 1,500 square feet in size.
When you visit, you’ll find a wide range of services, including:
- Same-day eye exams using up-to-date diagnostic tools
- Prescription eyewear fitting and sales
- On-site labs that can make single-vision glasses in just 30 minutes
The Rollout Timeline
They’re kicking things off with five locations in the Philadelphia area. Three should open by December, and the other two are on track for early 2026.
This phased approach gives both Staples and Stanton Optical a chance to work out any kinks and see how customers react before rolling out more locations.
A Strategic Move in a Competitive Market
Staples isn’t the only one jumping into optical retail. Big names like Walmart and Costco have offered eye care services for years, making it easier for shoppers to get everything done in one trip.
Meanwhile, Warby Parker just announced a partnership with Target to set up optical shop-in-shops in five states. Warby Parker already runs about 300 stores and has plans to reach at least 900 locations across the country.
Direct-to-Consumer Brands Going Physical
Digital-first eyewear brands are also moving into physical spaces. Eyebuydirect, known for its online deals, opened its first kiosk in Orange County, California last year. Even e-commerce brands are realizing there’s something special about in-person shopping.
Why the Move Makes Sense for Staples
From a business angle, offering optical services inside Staples stores has its perks:
- Increased Foot Traffic: Eye care brings in new shoppers, which could mean more sales in other parts of the store.
- Community Relevance: Health services can help Staples become a more trusted local spot.
- Adaptation to Consumer Trends: People want convenience and love knocking out multiple errands in one stop.
Looking Ahead
Staples is jumping into the hybrid retail game by teaming up with Stanton Optical. More and more retailers are mixing specialty services with their usual offerings these days.
They’re testing the waters in Philadelphia. If people like it, you might start seeing optical care in Staples stores all over the country soon enough.
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Here is the source article for this story: Staples to bring optical centers to stores through Now Optics partnership