What moves would you make, how would you change things to fix this company forever.
Or, is it doable at all?
3 replies (most recent on top)
There is no reasonable means of repairing what has been a nearly tectonic shift in the market, especially as it relates to rendering the business model of Staples largely ineffective in today’s business environment. Aside from that, any positive culture within the organization has been consistently erased over the last 3 to 4 years of sycamore Partners’ ownership. SP is not in this for the long game, it is simply a game of strategy to extract as much money out of their investment in Staples as quickly as possible for their own enrichment. The organization is so financially anemic that I doubt they could resell it to an individual owner, and any hopes of taking it public in the near-term would seem to have evaporated. Put simply, Staples as a patient is on the respirator in fading very quickly, largely due to woefully obtuse management.
unfortunately, i think this layoff signifies something major happening. there has been multiple RIFs restructuring and change of sales strategy over the past 5 years, and nothing has seemed to stick. i dont think its a coincidence that SD hasn't been replaced yet either. not sure what is next for the organization but I dont think there's a big rabbit up their sleeve thats going to get it back on track. i can't imagine that the people who are still there aren't already planning their exit. if I hadn't already left myself, i know this wouldve been the last straw
I just do not see anything that can help us now. Stores will continue to decline, on the digital side we seem to be slow and clumsy. We have good relationships with most of our customers, maybe that's our play? Focus on the customer, serve them well and with zeal - and hope things turn out good.