Front Royal Staples to close next month

The Staples store located north of Front Royal in Crooked Run Center will close Oct. 7. Photo / Susan Clark

FRONT ROYAL – The Royal Examiner contacted Staples’ corporate headquarters in early summer, asking about the possibility of the store closing.  We relayed that we had received a news tip from a customer, along with telephone calls from several employees,  who said they were told the store would shut down in October, but were rebuffed by Carrie McEllwee, public relations director, who responded with a terse July 8 email,  “We don’t respond to rumors.”

An email was sent to Staples Rewards members Thursday afternoon, informing the public that the Front Royal store would be closing Oct. 7, and encouraging customers to use a printable coupon to shop at the Winchester Staples, located at 2045 South Pleasant Valley Road.

Ms. McEllwee did not respond to a phone call asking for comment prior to publication.

Staples customers who do not wish to travel to Winchester for their quick-print and ink cartridge needs do have some options.  Craig Laird, owner of Royal Oak Computers at 203 E. Main Street in Front Royal, said he had already begun stocking up on additional brands and types of computer ink cartridges.

National Media Services‘ Mike McCool, said his company, which has been in business for nearly 40 years, has already increased its wide-format printer capability, which allows for banners, posters and other projects to be done in-house, with a quick turnaround.

McCool said National Media Services, located at 613 N. Commerce Ave. in Front Royal, also offers custom printing, quick-print services, T-shirt design and printing/embroidery, as well as web-design and management services.