New Staples opens in No. Hampton

NORTH HAMPTON — The new Staples is open for business and already giving back to the community.

In a ceremony Wednesday, Staples general manager Jerome Fuller presented a check for $1,000 to representatives from LifeWise Community Projects, a Hampton-based nonprofit helping area youth reach their full potential.

North Hampton Town Administrator Steve Fournier was also in attendance.

"Any time a new store opens in town serving local and surrounding communities, it's a plus," Fournier said.

Staples Inc., is the world's largest office products company. The 18,424-square-foot North Hampton store opened Feb. 2 and employs about 30 full- and part-time associates. The new store features more than 7,000 products and includes Staples signature services like the Copy & Print Center, Easy Tech, Easy Rebate and the Staples Rewards program.

Staples also offers more than 3,000 eco-friendly products and provides everyday, in-store recycling for computers, office technology, personal electronics and ink and toner cartridges.

Jerome Fuller relocated from the Boston area to manage the new store. He and his wife, Melinda, and children Trey, 8, Jordan, 6, and Jaeda, 4, live in North Hampton. His children attend the local school. Fuller's mother bought the house next door.

"I'm excited. Every day I see people I know," Fuller said. "I wanted this job because I wanted to be a part of this community. I want to take it to the next level and give back to the community."

Bruce Montville, president and CEO of LifeWise Community Projects, said Staples was supporting North Hampton. "Not only as a valuable economic resource, but also as a community partner that supports local charities," he said.

Skip Webb, LifeWise board member and president of The James House, a national historic site in Hampton, attended the ceremony.

Erin Murphy was there as well. She is one of 80 University of New Hampshire students who meet one-on-one with area middle school students weekly as part of a LifeWise program called Wildcat Youth Mentors. The mentors serve as role models and friends for students who need a boost of confidence and a little guidance, Montville said.

"It's all about attitude change," he said. "They become academically more productive, socially under control, and absenteeism drops. We believe middle school is where the correction can be made. We're happy Staples is honoring us."