When it comes to competing for online business in the US, companies have to do what it takes in the retail industry. Staples is one company that is after the online market but is competing in a different way. With physical stores at their disposal to sell products, the retailer has come up with a great strategy to generate sales. The change probably could not have come at a better time with the holiday season almost officially upon us.

Staples has decided to match Amazon’s prices for the holiday season. The office retail giant will match online and in-store pricing for all their customers. The new “Price Match Guarantee” program only applies to Amazon purchases. Staples also stated that that it also applies to “any retailer who sells products in both retail stores and online under the same brand”. Customers will be able to take advantage of the deal beginning November 1st.

Staples is not the first big name retailer to offer a price-matching program. Other retailers such as Toys-R-Us, Fab.com and Target. This is a great strategic move for retailers to get a head start on online shopping, especially when competing to retail leaders like Amazon. The price matching should attract many shoppers to at least come to the Staples web site to compare the costs. Shoppers are looking at their bottom line more than ever and every bit of money they can save will be worth it. Without the price-matching program, brick-and –mortar companies like Staples won’t be able to keep up with the growth of Amazon.

Senior VP of North American stores and online Marketing stated in the report her her take on the holiday pricing initiative. She stated, “Staples is committed to offering great products at the best prices. Whether shopping in-store or online, Staples customers will be able to shop confidently, during the holiday season and beyond, knowing that we are providing them with all the right products and must-have gifts at the lowest prices.”

The retailer didn’t say how long the price match guarantee program will last. If the service is successful during the holidays, Staples could very well be continue price matching to compete against Amazon. Staples can also compete with Amazon by providing same-day delivery of their online and store products. Amazon continues to build distribution centers throughout the US and many experts agree that the retail giant is gearing up to offer same-day delivery. Amazon already offers same-day grocery services, as well as Wal-Mart.

Staples can offer these types of local deliveries via a Same-Day Courier such as A-1 Express. This Chicago Courier has a national footprint and brings a lot of courier expertise to the table. A-1 Express can not assist Staples in delivering its’ online order from their stores to their customers’ destination, but also their customers can be recommended by Staples to pick up their store orders. This holiday season, online retail is expected to grow this year once again, therefore, same-day delivery can make Staples more attractive, not just the price matching.

Reference: 10.10.13, Internet Retailer, Thad Reuter, Staples Matches Amazon’s Prices