The Australian operations of Corporate Express/Staples has contributed to an 18 per cent drop in second quarter international sales at Staples.
Total international sales for the second quarter were US$1.1 billion. The decrease was attributed to "weak sales" in Europe and Australia. In Europe, comparable store sales declined by nine per cent.
The company's total sales for the second quarter were US$5.5 billion, a decrease of six per cent.
"Our second quarter results fell short of our expectations due to softer than expected sales trends in North America and on-going weakness in Europe and Australia," said Staples chairman and CEO, Ron Sargent.
"We're taking a hard look at each of our businesses and we plan to make significant changes to improve results," Sargent added.
As previously reported, Corporate Express/Staples is currently involved in a court case against failed WA-based school supplies company Wooldridges over $3.6 million in unpaid invoices.
