Staples Buys Calif. Software Firm

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By Rick Saia

Staples has completed the acquisition of a Silicon Valley-based software company that helps online retailers increase sales by personalizing the shopping experience, the Framingham-based office supply retailer announced.

Terms and conditions for the acquisition of Runa, of San Mateo, Calif., were not disclosed.

“Runa has a unique platform and outstanding talent with experience in e-commerce and online marketplaces,” said Ronald Sargent, Staples’ CEO and chairman. “With Runa, we’re adding technology to better serve our customers with personalized items, offers, and delivery estimates, all in real-time. Runa will allow us to tap into the wealth of engineering and e-commerce expertise in the Silicon Valley area.”

Staples has been ramping up its e-commerce capabilities in recent months while scaling back the amount of space in its physical stores, including 45 stores by the end of this year. The company also launched two “omnichannel stores” where customers can buy products off shelves or online at Internet kiosks. Customers also have access to consultation areas where small-business customers can get assistance from Staples associates. To that end, Staples said Runa’s PerfectOffer software provides automated, data-driven and personalized offers immediate, while another product, PerfectShipping, provides real-time personalized delivery estimates and free-shipping offers.

The Runa facility in San Mateo will serve as the newest Staples Lab, which the company has already launched in Seattle and Cambridge. In the coming months, Staples said it plans to increase staff in San Mateo.