In The News

Retailing trailblazer Leo Kahn passes away

Retailing trailblazer Leo Kahn passes away

Tributes have been paid to Leo Kahn who co-founded the Staples office supply company. He was 94.

Mr. Kahn had a background in the grocery business and made his first fortune when he sold his business in the 1980s for $80 million.

The idea for the Staples operation came about when he and Tom Stemberg, who had been a former competitor in the grocery business, decided to join forces.

They spent a lot of time trying to pinpoint a business to launch. Eventually they decided to use the ‘big box’ retailing concept to sell office supplies.

Staples was born and very soon small business owners were flocking to its stores.

Today the company operates in 26 countries, employ 91,000 people and has sales in the region of $25 billion.

Mr. Kahn also had success with two chains of health food stores he started after getting Staple off the ground. He sold off the chains in the 1990s.

 

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