Design and Print App for iOS Devices Adds to Company's Mobile Offering
Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS), one of the world's largest internet retailers, announced today it has completed the acquisition of Makr, an iOS app that enables people to design and print one-of-a-kind materials, and its parent company Happy; both based in Brooklyn, New York. Terms and conditions of the acquisition were not disclosed.
"Makr allows small businesses to build their brands easily, elegantly and in real-time," said Faisal Masud, executive vice president, global e-commerce, Staples, Inc. "Staples' copy and print services are a dynamic and growing part of our business, and Makr's revolutionary approach will put high end design in the hands of small and medium sized businesses."
Makr is a design and print shop for iOS devices. With Makr, businesses design or upload logos to create custom branding materials - business cards, t-shirts, tote bags and more. They can make branded invitations, stickers and labels, packaging materials and stationery. Consumers have the ability to design and print materials for special events and everyday occasions, from holiday cards and wedding invitations to temporary tattoos. Makr's goal is to democratize design, empowering everyone to design and create physical things that are tailored and unique, without having to settle for basic, restricted templates.
"Joining forces with Staples allows us to expand our efforts exponentially and fully realize our mission," says Ellen Johnston, co-founder, chief executive officer, Makr. "Our creativity tools and technology paired with the power and reach of Staples Copy & Print make high-end custom branding for small businesses faster, easier and more accessible than ever."
Passionate about design, DIY and the Maker Movement, Makr is headquartered in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and takes its inspiration from its local maker community. Makr's app was named a "Best of 2014" by Apple, with over 500,000 downloads and a very passionate fan base. Johnston will continue to oversee Makr, which will remain in its current location.
The Makr acquisition complements Staples' current suite of online copy and print products and services, which the company has been building out over the past several months, with updates including:
Expanding the company's internal team
Re-designing and re-tooling the copy and print site
Acquiring PNI to provide an open platform for retailers
Offering a comprehensive print on demand service
www.staples.com