A STAPLE OF THEIR MARKETING PLAN? CHAIN EXPANDS SPORTS TIES

          MA-based office supply chain Staples is "carving out a
     bigger sports marketing presence" in MI and is "using the
     state to test several new initiatives," according to Becky
     Yerak of the DETROIT NEWS.  The company is giving businesses
     and their workers the "chance to win a visit from" Red Wings
     C Steve Yzerman and is "testing the sports-marketing waters
     at a big college," the Univ. of MI (UM), for the first time. 
     Staples VP/Sports Marketing Marci Grebstein: "Detroit has
     been a great market for us.  So you'll see more stores
     coming here and you'll see growing sports marketing efforts
     from Staples."  The company's deal with UM basketball
     includes broadcast time, game signage and "the spotlighting
     of alumni players who have gone into business."  Staples
     will also "consider trying to link up" with the Tigers, Red
     Wings and Pistons "after their contracts with other office
     superstores go up for grabs" (DETROIT NEWS, 2/12).