Amid an increase in online shopping, the Staples location on Shattuck Avenue became one of 70 locations to close as a result of declining sales.

Staples is one of many businesses in Berkeley to have closed in the past months because of a larger movement away from retail. This coupled with increased labor costs and rent has caused many stores to go out of business.

“I just feel like more and more we see Amazon outcompeting companies due to how convenient ordering things online is,” said campus junior Ivan Alvarado.

The challenges of online shopping make business more difficult for local retailers, as there are fewer customers going into stores, while online shopping has become a greater competitor.

Additionally, Doris Moskowitz, owner of Moe’s Books, previously told The Daily Californian that she prefers when customers come into their store, largely because organizing online orders requires a large time commitment from employees.

Many students, however, will be unaffected by Staples’ closing.

“I’ve never heard of anyone going to Staples, and I feel other people could get their supplies from other stores or order online,” Alvarado said.

Yet Kyle Martin, a stylist for Bows and Arrows, a small shoe and clothing store located on Telegraph Avenue,  previously told The Daily Californian that some local retailers have benefitted from online shopping, which gets many online orders.

According to Staples spokesperson Jocelyn Moruzzi, students who use Staples can still shop online on Staples’ website or at another Staples location in Pinole, California.

“Our business is evolving alongside the customer. We continually monitor the performance of Staples stores across the country to ensure we’re meeting our customers where they want to be met,” Moruzzi said in an email. “We remain committed to supporting lifelong achievement for small businesses, parents, teachers and students through our products, solutions and shared learning.”