I had used Staples for my office supplies on a regular basis over a period ending about 10 years ago. After that I used a local small town stationery and office supplies. Recently, however, I went to a Staples store for some note pads and other office supplies. I was shocked at the price. The Note pads that were comparable to the note pads that I was accustomed to purchasing at the local supplier were priced at over 3 x (300%) more than the local price. It was over $3.00 a note pad based upon a 6 pack of pads. I was astonished. The other items also seemed way over-priced. The check out clerk acknowledged as much when I complained and knocked off about $3.00 from the total price. Under these circumstances I would not recommend the store ... and I wonder whether these are price increases due to financial problems.