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Star Teachers Will Be Treated to Discounts, Specials, Breakfast and More

Boca Raton, Fla., July 20, 2010 – Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, today announced plans to host 180,000 teachers at its retail stores during special events taking place as part of the Company’s signature Teacher Appreciation Week and Breakfast events across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.  In its seventh year, Office Depot’s Teacher Appreciation celebration will recognize teachers for their ongoing commitment to the classroom and today’s children with discounts, special offers and a breakfast in their honor. 

The events will be held at Office Depot stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico during the weeks of July 25, August 1, August 8, August 15 and August 22.  (Events vary by school schedule.  Teachers can find out the date of their local store’s event by visiting www.school.com or www.mystarteacher.com/tab.)

Both new and existing members of the Office Depot Star Teacher Program are invited to enjoy 10% savings and 50% back in Rewards on products from event sponsors such as Crayola®, PaperMate®, Sharpie®, Mead™ and Carson Dellosa during their local store’s designated Teacher Appreciation Week.  Star Teachers are also invited to attend the Saturday event, which will include a breakfast and complimentary gifts.  Such complimentary gifts may include a tote bag and special planner filled with the essentials needed for a successful school year, tips to help students excel in the classroom, and coupons for the latest back to school products.  All complimentary gifts are subject to availability. 

“Educators do so much for the students, schools and communities they serve,” said Adriana Vethencourt, Director of Loyalty Marketing for Office Depot.  “Their hard work deserves to be recognized, and it is our goal to make the back-to-school shopping experience convenient and rewarding for them.” 

With the current challenging economic environment, educators are using their own money more than ever to purchase needed supplies, books and other items like refreshments for their classroom.  In fact, according to a recent survey by the National School Supply and Equipment Association, teachers are spending an average of $395 out of their own pockets on supplies for the classroom annually, with first-year teachers spending an average of $770.*

Cheryl Peetz, Store Manager of the Redlands, California, Office Depot location said, “As a store manager, I see that my local teachers are always in the store spending their own income to buy supplies for their students.  Hosting a Teacher Appreciation Breakfast that brings in teachers from around the community is our way to show that Office Depot appreciates them.  There are very few programs for teachers that really say ‘Thank You.’  I try to make this an event to say exactly that.”

To receive a reminder about the Teacher Appreciation event in your area, text “TAB” to DEPOT (33768).**

About the Office Depot Star Teacher Program

The Office Depot Star Teacher Program, launched in 2003, provides members with special promotions, discounts and offers to help teachers stretch their classroom budgets in these challenging economic times.  Pre-K through 12th grade classroom teachers are eligible to be members of the Office Depot Star Teacher program.  Enrollment in the program is free and can be done at any Office Depot store.  Ask a store associate for details or visit www.school.com or www.mystarteacher.com for more information.

Star Teacher Program benefits include 10% back on ink, toner and paper purchases, an instant 15% off Design, Print, & Ship Depot services, PLUS an additional 1% back on nearly everything else.***

About the Office Depot 5% Back to Schools Program

Besides the discounts offered during Teacher Appreciation Week, Star Teachers can use their school’s 5% Back to Schools ID number year-round when buying school supplies at Office Depot to get credits for free supplies! To participate, customers simply need to provide their school’s 5% Back to Schools Program ID number at checkout, and Office Depot will total the qualifying purchases**** made during each quarter. The school of choice will be awarded 5% of the qualifying purchases in merchandise credit, when they earn at least $10, which can be used toward supplies. To access your local school’s ID number, ask a store associate or visit Smart Services at www.mystarteacher.com. Click the Smart Services link to learn more. Since the program’s inception, Office Depot has given back nearly $23 million to local schools.

* The National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA) released the 2008 NSSEA Retail Market Awareness Study. This study, conducted by Perry Research Professionals, reports on teachers' knowledge of parent-teacher stores, including their spending patterns, funding sources, shopping preferences, and factors that influence their purchasing decisions. For more information on NSSEA, please visit www.nssea.org. 

** Message and data rates may apply. Limited to 5 texts per month. Users must agree to Office Depot’s terms of use. U.S. only. Text stop to opt-out.

*** 10% Rewards exclude postage stamps and HP ink and toner, 1% rewards are granted on qualifying purchases and certain exclusions apply.  Rewards are paid quarterly in the form of an Office Depot reward card when you earn a minimum of $10 in rewards. Rewards carry over from quarter toquarter in a calendar year. Visit www.mystarteacher.com for full details.

**** Qualifying purchases are categorized as basic school supplies, i.e., notebook paper, pens, pencils, crayons etc. Credits will be issued 60 days after the end of each program period and will be valid for 120 days after the date of issuance. Credits will not be offered to schools with less than $10.00 in tallied credits per program period. Limited to Pre-K-12th grade.

Company Designs and Produces Parent Friendly Calendar For Nation’s Third Largest School District

Boca Raton, Fla., July 21, 2010 – Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, today announced that the Company has been designated an “Official Sponsor of Back to School” for Chicago Public Schools.

Through this sponsorship of Chicago Public Schools’ upcoming 2010-2011 school season, Office Depot has designed and produced the school’s annual District Wide Parent Friendly Calendar of Important Dates for 2010-2011.  The calendar serves as one of the district’s most used communication tools, promoting involvement between parents and faculty, and also serves as a reference guide for local businesses and vendors in the Chicago area.  More than 500,000 copies of the calendar have been produced.

“Office Depot has enjoyed a great relationship with Chicago Public Schools for many years, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with one of the largest school districts in the country to help kick off the new school year,” said John Lander, Vice President Chicago Region for Office Depot. “Through this calendar initiative, Office Depot will also be providing Chicagoland parents and teachers with special coupons and incentives that will help them go back to school smarter this year.”

Chicago Public Schools is the third largest school district in the nation, operating more than 670 schools throughout Chicago. Since 1999, Office Depot has served as a provider of office supplies for Chicago Public Schools, helping save the District, and ultimately taxpayers, hard earned dollars.

“We appreciate the generosity of Office Depot in their sponsorship of our calendar and in their continuing partnership with the District,” said Deputy CEO for External Affairs Barbara Lumpkin.  “The historic and ongoing relationship between Chicago Public Schools and Office Depot has been immensely beneficial to our students, parents, and faculty.  We are pleased that we are able to continue this partnership and take it to a new level with their sponsorship of our calendar.”

To learn more about the products and services available at Office Depot, please visit your local Office Depot retail store location or www.officedepot.com. To become a fan of Office Depot on Facebook and receive exclusive content, offers and more, please visit www.facebook.com/officedepot. To follow Office Depot on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/officedepot.

Office Depot Has the Latest Styles and Fashion That Kids Want – All at a Price That Mom And Dad Can Afford  

Boca Raton, Fla., July 8, 2010 – Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, is kicking off the back-to-school season with great deals for students and teachers. With its wide selection of hip, fashion-forward products for students plus smart deals and value bundles for teachers shopping for their classroom, Office Depot is the one-stop destination to jumpstart the school year.

“Office Depot is committed to helping students and teachers go back smarter this year by making it convenient and affordable to get everything they need on their school shopping list,” said Steve Mahurin, Executive Vice President of Merchandising for Office Depot. “And with teachers spending nearly $500 of their own money on school supplies each year, it is a priority at Office Depot to provide them with the essential supplies they need at a price they can afford.”

Office Depot has all the items on school lists and an array of styles that students and teachers will love. Below is an overview of some of the hot deals and great products you will be able to find this back-to-school season at Office Depot:

Penny Specials

To help customers save on their back-to-school essentials, Office Depot is offering penny specials on core school supplies during key weeks leading up to the start of classes. Students and teachers can stop by Office Depot to find one cent supplies and $1 deals on products such as pencils, rulers, glue sticks, folders, scissors, and more. Certain weeks will also feature FREE back-to-school items customers won’t want to miss! Learn more by checking out Office Depot’s weekly Sunday circulars throughout the summer.

Fun Fashion

Office Depot has a vast assortment of stylish products to fit any personality. Students will never get bored with products ranging from neon color pallets, mix and match patterns, and interchangeable designs. Some of the items include: 

• Backpacks: From messenger bags and totes, to quilted bags and rolling backpacks, Office Depot has everything students need to carry their books and supplies in style while also being comfortable. Want a backpack that’s truly unique? Pick up the winning design from last year’s “Project Backpack” contest,   hosted by Office Depot and Sharpie. The music-inspired design by 17-year-old Jerry Delgado was created using Sharpie markers and is now being sold at Office Depot retail locations nationwide for only $14.99.   
• Calculators: Math just got a lot more fun! Office Depot has an assortment of calculators in various sizes and styles, including the TI-84+ graphing calculators with interchangeable skins and faceplates. Or even choose from gamer or rocker-inspired calculators for added flair. 
• Notebooks, Binders, and Folders: Students can choose from a variety of notebooks for their classes such as one subject, comp books, three subject, or memo. Stay organized with a collection of binders, portfolios, and expanding files featuring exclusive Office Depot designs such as the “Veronica” or “Collegiate” patterns. Office Depot also has exclusive designs from Mead this back-to-school season, including Fashion Binders, Loyal Army Line Notebooks and Folders, and Cutesy Skull Folders.   
• Flash Drives: Keep track of homework and other important documents with Ativa flash drives available at Office Depot. Choose from more than 40 patterns and colors, including a new line of flash drives by No Fear.
• Licensed Products: Office Depot has a variety of licensed goods students can choose from this back-to-school season. Select from a variety of fun styles and characters such as Ironman 2, Toy Story 3, Harajuku by Gwen Stefani, Paul Frank, and Hello Kitty, among others.

Green Products

Be smart while being environmentally friendly! Office Depot has an assortment of products from New Leaf such as composition books, notebooks, and banana paper that is made from 100% recycled content. 

Desk and Room Accessories

Students can keep their study areas neat and organized while showcasing their fun personalities. Office Depot has everything from interchangeable desks and 10 drawer organizers to lamps, chairs, and assorted fashion rugs. 

Teacher Supplies

To offer teachers the convenience and savings they need while shopping for school supplies, Office Depot is offering a variety of deals on core products including pocket charts, notepads, bulletin boards, recordbooks, nametags, and more. Teachers can find everything they need in the exclusive teacher aisle at Office Depot stores nationwide. 

Teachers can also take advantage of the Teacher Appreciation Breakfasts being held at select Office Depot retail locations. Teachers can enjoy breakfast and savings on key supplies to help them get the school year started. Dates and locations are available by visiting www.school.com.

To learn more about the products and services available at Office Depot, please visit your local Office Depot retail store location or www.officedepot.com. To become a fan of Office Depot on Facebook and receive exclusive content, offers and more, please visit www.facebook.com/officedepot. To follow Office Depot on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/officedepot.

Survey Findings Highlight Technology Mishaps; Office Depot Launches ATIVA® Mobil-IT™ Ultimate Collection

Boca Raton, Fla., July 7, 2010 – We’ve all seen it – the spilled coffee on the laptop, the mobile phone that fell out of your pocket and into the toilet bowl, or the camera that slipped out of your hands. Americans are becoming more “wired” nowadays, but how attentive are they to taking care of these items that are becoming an essential part of everyday life? According to a new CARAVAN® survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, one in three working Americans is often required to carry tech items while traveling or on the go. However, forty-five percent of Americans have damaged or totally broken a number of their technology items including mobile phones (29%), ear buds or headsets (22%), PDAs or Smartphones (10%), and laptops (10%). For those looking to start fresh with their technology, Office Depot is proud to announce the “Technology Apology Contest”, where on-the-go professionals can make amends with their technology that they have mistreated and vow to protect it going forward.

Beginning July 7, on-the-go professionals are invited to enter the Technology Apology Contest (www.technologyapology.com) and share an ode to a piece of technology (such as a computer, phone, PDA, MP3 Player, camera, printer, etc.) that they’ve recently mistreated or damaged. Every day between July 7 and July 20, five winners will be selected at random to receive a bag from the ATIVA® Mobil-IT™ Ultimate Collection (retail value $64.99-$149.99). One Grand Prize Winner will receive a $1,500 Office Depot Gift Card to replace damaged technology plus an ATIVA® Mobil-IT™ Ultimate bag of their choice. Two runners up will receive a $250 Office Depot Gift Card plus an ATIVA® Mobil-IT™ Ultimate bag of their choice.

Visitors to the Technology Apology website can also find the “Tech Forgiveness Fund” video where they can watch a humorous take on what technology undergoes in the hands of their owners, such as food spilling onto a laptop keyboard while its owner eats lunch or a PDA falling on the floor after accidentally being unplugged from its battery cord. 

The new ATIVA® Mobil-IT™ Ultimate Collection offers a perfect solution for professionals looking for more reliable gear to protect their technology. The innovative, stylish and practical collection includes 10 business cases, ranging from $64.99 to $149.99, designed and engineered to keep technology protected while on the move. Bags come in a variety of sizes with numerous pockets for quick access to important items. 

Products available in the collection include:

• The ATIVA® Mobil-IT™ Ultimate Organized Messenger holds up to a 17” notebook computer and includes a removable accessory pouch, convenient elastic organizer pockets and padded shoulder straps for added comfort.
• The ATIVA® Mobil-IT™ Ultimate Tech Case is a slim messenger style bag perfect for those who like to travel light. Holds up to a 15.4” laptop and includes numerous interior and exterior pockets for an MP3 player and other technology.
• The ATIVA® Mobil-IT™ Ultimate Carry-On Workmate is a stylish, versatile organizer made for the traveling professional. It has ample space for files, a notebook computer, and other supplies all with sturdy wheels and telescoping for easy travel. 

“When you are a busy, on-the-go professional, mishaps with your technology can sometimes be inevitable. Office Depot is pleased to provide customers with a smart solution with the ATIVA® Mobil-IT™ Ultimate Collection. Now, whether in the car, in-flight, or racing to that next client meeting, you can have all your items stored in one convenient bag,” said Steve Mahurin, Executive Vice President of Merchandising for Office Depot.

Office Depot’s Mobil Technology survey also revealed that:

• The top five ways that Americans have nearly damaged or broken their technology are:
  • It slipped out of my hands and hit the floor (48%)
  • It slipped out of the carrying case and hit the floor (25%)
  • It fell into the toilet, sink, bathtub, and/or shower (16%)
  • My child or children got to it (15%)
  • Two-way tie: I spilled coffee, soda or another beverage on it (14%); I stepped or sat on it (14%)
• One in four (25%) Americans believe that if their devices could describe their treatment, they would say: “I would appreciate a little more TLC once in awhile!”
• Twenty percent of Americans who own a laptop don’t carry it in a protective case, bag or sleeve (11% use a non-laptop case/bag such as a purse or tote; 6% carry it in their hands; and 3% use their suitcase or luggage)

For more information on the Technology Apology contest, Technology Forgiveness Fund video, and ATIVA® Mobil-IT™ Ultimate Collection, visit www.technologyapology.com.

To learn more about the products and services available at Office Depot, please visit your local Office Depot retail store location or www.officedepot.com. To become a fan of Office Depot on Facebook and receive exclusive content, offers and more, please visit www.facebook.com/officedepot. To follow Office Depot on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/officedepot.

*Survey Methodology

The Office Depot survey was conducted by CARAVAN® (administered by Opinion Research Corporation) via a telephone survey poll of 1,010 adults comprising of 502 men and 508 women 18 years of age and older, living in private households in the continental United States. Respondents were recruited via a random-digit-dial phone methodology. The survey was completed in March 2010.

Simple And Affordable Steps Can Help To Weather The Storm

Boca Raton, Fla., June 21, 2010 – Office Depot (NYSE:ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, is urging small businesses to take the simple and affordable steps necessary to get prepared for the 2010 hurricane season.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts 14 to 23 named storms this season and eight to 14 hurricanes – three to seven of which are expected to be category 3 or greater.

Video: Preparing for a Hurricane

During recent inactive hurricane seasons, businesses facing economic challenges might have chosen to forgo some preparations.  But business owners cannot afford to be complacent and risk losing their vital information and assets.  According to NOAA, warm Atlantic Ocean water and upper atmospheric winds are likely to foster storm development, resulting in a busy hurricane season.  In the event of a storm, Office Depot encourages its customers to be proactive and protect their valuables – their people, data and property – to help ensure their businesses can quickly get up-to-speed and back to business following a storm or a power outage.

Office Depot has the resources business owners need to weather any storm. A guide to this year’s most efficient products and tips for disaster preparation is available at www.officedepot.com/getprepared.  

“It is important that business owners acknowledge this year’s active storm forecast and make sure they are prepared,” said Bill Gavin, Director of Global Business Continuity for Office Depot.  “Take the necessary precautions now so your business can be safe in the event of a storm.”

According to The Hartford Financial Services Group, more than 40 percent of businesses that experience a disaster and have no emergency plan never reopen, and of those that do reopen, only 29 percent are still operating two years later.¹

Office Depot advises small businesses to take the following steps before a storm or to help protect your business in the event of potential disruptions:

Protect Your People

• Build solid contact lists. Include names and phone numbers of employees, vendors and emergency agencies.  Have contact lists stored both inside and outside the office and perhaps kept in the possession of two or more trusted managers or staff members.
• Establish emergency communications procedures.
• Organize supplies.  Ensure you have sufficient water, food, and janitorial products, and that your company has access to cash, generators, and Energizer® batteries. Also consider the Eveready® Flashlight.
• Provide employee assistance.  Train at least one staff member in CPR and first aid and, if possible, prepare family disaster kits and alternative family housing.

 Protect Your Data

• Some companies looking to cut costs have increased the use of computer automation, making them more vulnerable to outages.  Copy electronic data to a USB memory stick, CD-ROM or DVD-R using your PC’s optical drive to help the company be capable of rebounding faster.

Use a portable hard disk that can back up your entire PC disk drive at the touch of a button or use a ruggedized laptop computer that, like the other data copies, can be unplugged and taken with you to safeguard data against any emergencies.

“Having and executing a contingency plan is the quickest way to recover from a disaster,” Gavin said.  “Business owners should schedule periodic reviews to make sure their plan is in sync with their business. By doing so, businesses can turn their preparedness plan into a recovery capability.”

For more information on disaster preparedness strategies for small businesses, please visit www.officedepot.com/getprepared.

To find an Office Depot location near you, please click on Office Depot: Your Local Office Supply Store.

¹ The Hartford’s Guide to Emergency Preparedness Planning, created by The Hartford Financial Services Group and now published by J.J. Keller & Associates

More than $180 in FREE Products and Services Available With Purchase, Including FREE Software Installation Through Tech Depot Services

Boca Raton, Fla., June 15, 2010 – Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, today announced the nationwide availability of Microsoft Office 2010.  Customers will be able to purchase the new Microsoft Office software at any one of the more than 1,100 Office Depot retail store locations throughout the country, or online at www.officedepot.com.

The new productivity software is available in three different versions designed to meet the specific needs of each end user.  Office 2010 software suites include the following:

Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010 provides simple-to-use features to help you work efficiently whether you’re tackling homework or the household budget.  Available for $99.99 with the combined purchase of any PC.

Microsoft Office Home and Business 2010 contains powerful tools such as Outlook and smart, yet simple features that can help you tackle your busy schedule efficiently.  Plus, work with others at home or on the road to create reports and presentations that command attention. Available for $179.99 with the combined purchase of any PC.

Microsoft Office Professional 2010 features powerful email and scheduling tools, sophisticated information and data management, professional-caliber marketing materials and one year of technical support.  Available for $499.

“Whether you are purchasing a new home computer or looking to upgrade your productivity software at work, Office 2010 provides innovative features that will help our customers remain connected and productive,” said Steve Mahurin, Executive Vice President of Merchandising for Office Depot.  “In particular, small businesses can really benefit from the new cloud computing functionality that enables the sharing of work virtually anywhere.”

In celebration of the launch, Office Depot is offering customers over $180 in FREE deals with the purchase of any Microsoft Office 2010:

• FREE (after $25 mail-in savings Visa prepaid card) Microsoft Wireless mouse with purchase of Office 2010 (in-store $24.99)
• FREE (after $60 mail-in savings Visa prepaid card)  Tech Depot Services installation of Office 2010 (in-store $59.99)
• FREE (after $80 and $20 manufacturer upgrade* mail-in savings Visa prepaid card) Norton PC security with purchase of Office 2010 (in-store $99.99)

The new Microsoft Office 2010 software contains a variety of new features and enhancements that allow PC users to create, connect, and work together – from virtually anywhere.

Overview of Microsoft Office 2010:

Create Amazing Documents:

• All Office 2010 applications now use the same simple and intuitive “Ribbon” so the tools you need to create, format and enhance your documents are always right at your fingertips.
• Add visual impact to your documents with simple-to-use picture editing tools that let you crop, control brightness and contrast, sharpen or soften, and add visual effects.
• Edit videos right in PowerPoint 2010.

Connect and Work Together:

• Track and manage email conversations simply by condensing and even ignoring email exchanges in a few clicks.
• Stay connected to your social and business networks, including popular third-party sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Edit Office documents online with others at the same time with new co-authoring functionality.
• Office 2010 applications now feature Backstage View – the go-to spot to conveniently save, share, print and publish your documents.

Access Virtually Anywhere:

• Broadcast your presentation instantly through the Web to one or one hundred people.
• Get things done when you’re away from the office, home or school.  Create documents in Office 2010, then post them online to Windows Live SkyDrive to access, view and edit – either alone or with others.

To find the Microsoft Office 2010 solution that’s right for you visit www.officedepot.com/microsoftoffice.

To learn more about the products and services available at Office Depot, please visit your local Office Depot retail store location or www.officedepot.com.  To become a fan of Office Depot on Facebook and receive exclusive content, offers and more, please visit www.facebook.com/officedepot.  To follow Office Depot on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/officedepot.

*Good for current owners, proof of ownership required.

New La-Z-Boy® Office Chairs Provide Lasting Quality and Style that is Perfect for Home or Office

Boca Raton, Fla., June 14, 2010 – Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, today announced the nationwide launch of the Company’s new La-Z-Boy® office chair collection. La-Z-Boy, one of the world’s leading furniture manufacturers, is introducing several new chair designs exclusive to Office Depot that are ideal for home or office. 

Available in premium black or brown leather, La-Z-Boy office chairs from Office Depot are built with a pillowed head rest, exceptional lumbar back support, and multi-layered foam padding construction to offer superior cushioning and lasting quality.

“Office Depot is very excited to launch this new line of La-Z-Boy office chairs to provide our hard working customers with executive class seating at an affordable price,” said Steve Mahurin, Executive Vice President of Merchandising for Office Depot. “This new line of seating provides the ultimate comfort for those long days in the office and also adds a touch of professional style to any workspace.”

Beginning today, through June 28th, customers can enter Office Depot’s “Show Us Your Seat” contest at www.showusyourseat.com. Participants are encouraged to submit a photo and stories on their current “makeshift” or unique office seat and explain how their home office or business would benefit from having a new La-Z-Boy office chair. Seven winners will be chosen based upon their entries to receive a new La-Z-Boy chair, courtesy of Office Depot. 

Visitors to the website will also find smart tips and facts for selecting and using the best chair for their office space. Customers can also visit Office Depot’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/officedepot, where a “seat of the day” photo and story will be featured daily during the contest. 

La-Z-Boy office chairs are available for $299 and can be purchased in-store, online, or special ordered via 1-800-Go-Depot. 

To learn more about the products and services available at Office Depot, please visit your local Office Depot retail store location or www.officedepot.com. To become a fan of Office Depot on Facebook and receive exclusive content, offers and more, please visit www.facebook.com/officedepot. To follow Office Depot on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/officedepot.

La-Z-Boy® is a trademark of La-Z-Boy Incorporated and is used under license to The Raynor Group

Office Depot has been working with Florida officials in connection with an inquiry concerning the Company’s contract pricing to certain customers in Florida.

The resolution with the Florida AG primarily relates to an issue regarding one particular price plan previously offered under our lead agency contract to Florida customers who purchased products from Office Depot through a program administered by the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance.

There was nothing wrong with the price plan itself, which was offered between January 2006 and March 2009, and which simply gave customers the choice of a flat discount from retail website pricing.  Depending on the buying patterns of each customer, however, this plan could cost more or save money compared to the alternative plan.  In response to potential concerns with this price plan, in spring 2008, Office Depot began contacting customers who were on this particular price plan to ensure customer understanding and satisfaction.

The resolution settles any concerns about the discount-from-retail website price plan and is effectively another outreach to Florida customers to ensure they understood their price plan.  As part of the resolution, Office Depot will contact eligible customers in Florida to offer a refund if they qualify.

At the same time the Office Depot settlement was finalized, the Florida Attorney General separately indicated that it had investigated and was dismissing, with prejudice, a “whistleblower” lawsuit brought by David Sherwin, a disgruntled former employee who has been on a loud and negative campaign against Office Depot in which he alleged a variety of improper pricing practices.  In dismissing Mr. Sherwin’s complaint, the Attorney General said that it investigated and found insufficient basis for the claims.

Office Depot has been the office supplies vendor for U.S. Communities for more than 13 years, during which time the Company has provided tens of thousands of products annually to more than 10,000 public agencies nationwide.  Office Depot has proven time and again that public sector entities save substantial amounts of money on this program – money that they can use for educational programs, jobs, and other necessities.

Office Depot continues to enjoy excellent relationships with customers in the State of Florida, including public agencies and municipalities at all levels of government throughout the state.  We currently hold the State contract and are actively participating in the State’s recent bid for a new contract.

From the Hottest Tech Items to Professional Accessories, Office Depot Carries Something for Everyone on Your List

Boca Raton, Fla., June 3, 2010 – With Father’s Day approaching and 2010 graduates hoping to land a job in the business world, Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, is the one-stop shop for this year’s smart gifts to celebrate all dads and grads.  From writing instruments to the latest technology gadgets, Office Depot has everything to make dads and young professionals feel special. 

“Office Depot is pleased to offer our customers a wide variety of cool products and practical gifts at a great value for the special dad or grad on their list,” said Steve Mahurin, Executive Vice President of Merchandising for Office Depot.  “Whether you’re looking to outfit your recent grad with a new business case or computer, or want to surprise your tech-loving dad with a new digital camera or GPS unit, you can come to Office Depot to find all the great gifts that they will truly appreciate.” 

A glimpse at some of the top gifts available for Dads and Grads at Office Depot includes:

Smart Gifts for Dads:

• La-Z-Boy® Office Chair – Designed exclusively for Office Depot, La-Z-Boy office chairs add executive class comfort and style to any business or home office.  Perfect for the dad who puts in those long hours at work or home. 
• Sony Reader Pocket Edition – Read your favorite books electronically – carries up to 350 books at a time.  And don’t forget to pre-load the Sony Reader with a few of dad’s favorite books to make a truly personalized gift.
• Eye-Fi 4GB Wi-Fi SDHC Memory Card – Never plug your digital camera into your computer again.  Helps you wirelessly upload photos and videos from your camera to your computer and the web – all without removing the camera card.
• Cisco Valet Wireless Routers – The new Cisco Valet wireless routers connect family computers, games and devices to the Internet in just a few simple steps.
• Garmin Nuvi 1300 GPS Navigation System – Give the dad in your life the gift of never getting lost again! Complete with a 4.3” touch screen, turn-by-turn directions, and spoken street names, this GPS unit is a smart and practical gift for dad and the entire family!
• Nikon Coolpix S570 Digital Camera – Help dad capture those special family moments with this advanced and stylish Nikon Coolpix digital camera. Features 5X optical zoom, 4-way image stabilization, and in-camera Red-Eye Fix.

Smart Gifts for Grads

• Flip Video – Never miss a moment on graduation day with this pocket-sized camcorder.  Built-in flash memory offers 120 minutes of recording time and comes with a convenient USB arm to plug directly into a computer. 
• HP Pavilion 13.3″ Widescreen Notebook Computer With AMD Athlon™ Neo X2 Dual-Core Processor – Perfect for staying connected to friends and family while away from home, this ultra thin and light notebook PC comes with a low-voltage processor for up to 6 hours of battery life.  
• ATIVA Mobil-IT Business Case – Don’t show up at that first job interview with your college backpack!  The new Ativa Mobil-IT line of business cases come in a variety of styles that are designed to keep your technology safe and sound when traveling. 
• CROSS Pens – Give the gift that reflects quality, image and style.  Cross pens come in a variety of price points to fit nearly every budget, and are sure to make an impression when looking to land that first job. 
• Rosetta Stone Language Learning Software – Give your graduate the gift of language.  Rosetta Stone is an interactive language learning software that teaches a new language by immersion, rather than translation and memorization skills.
• Office Depot Gift Card – Not sure what to get that grad on your list? Give them the freedom to get whatever they need with a gift card from Office Depot. Available in a variety of denominations to fit any budget.

To learn more about the products and services available at Office Depot, please visit your local Office Depot retail store location or www.officedepot.com. To become a fan of Office Depot on Facebook and receive exclusive content, offers and more, please visit www.facebook.com/officedepot. To follow Office Depot on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/officedepot.