Framingham, Mass. — Staples has promoted Peter Scala to merchandising executive VP, succeeding Mike Edwards.
Scala had previously honchoed the chain’s online assortment and led its expansion beyond traditional office supplies and tech products.
Before that he held a variety of senior merchandising positions, including senior VP/general merchandising manager technology. He joined the No. 1 office-supply chain in 1996, and began his career as a buyer at Lechmere, once a top New England CE and appliance chain.
In his new role Scala reports to Staples’ president of North American stores and online, Demos Parneros.
His predecessor, Edwards, was president/CEO of the Borders bookstore chain before joining Staples in 2012. He resigned to pursue other interests, the company said.
In other Staples news, the retailer has signed a new, multiyear agreement with Martha Stewart for a collection of branded home office products that will include personal tech accessories, stationery, tools and storage and organization products.
Staples first launched a Martha Stewart Home Office line in 2012, and told the Boston Globe it will “refresh and enhance” the collection under the new collaboration. The program presently includes totes, cases, furniture and organizers, and the revamped assortment is due in November.
Staples reached a definitive agreement in February to purchase No. 2 office supply chain Office Depot for $6.3 billion. The deal is expected to close by year’s end pending regulatory approval.
