It鈥檚 only been a few weeks since school has restarted, and though the new 琉璃神社 Staples missed that deadline, the new look and new features the store offers will be put to good use this school season across the Okanagan.

The Staples along Highway 97 showed off its new features Saturday morning, with more than 160 people lined up outside to see the unveiling. Deals, technology, gadgets and more were front-and-centre for the weekend shoppers.

Staples Canada CEO David Boone introduced the new Staples Studio, a working space where businesses and groups can work, learn and teach.

鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be a great addition to people working and learning in 琉璃神社,鈥� Boone said.

This is the high-tech studio space at the new 琉璃神社 that opened its doors Saturday morning. First Staples in Western Canada to offer not only the technology, but the spaces to learn how to use it.

鈥� Mack Britton (@MackBrittonBC)

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The studio will be the first Staples Studio in Western Canada, and one of only three in the country. Along side the new studio space, Boone said that Staples is looking to bring creativity and fashion into the business. The fashion is detailed in the new spaces, which can be rented out, as well as within the store and products.

Fashion designer Alex Harrison Haines, a young 琉璃神社 entrepreneur, is one of the first speakers in the launch of the Spotlight Speaker Series which was featured in the new studio.

Along side Boone at the ceremonial ribbon cutting Saturday morning was the Salvation Army, who have been continuing their backpack program in partnership with Staples, and 琉璃神社 city councillor Mohini Singh.

Coun. Singh thanked Staples for choosing 琉璃神社 to be the first store in Western Canada to feature the new Staples Studio.

鈥淚 hope (people) will support the store. I鈥檓 very happy to have this in 琉璃神社,鈥� Singh said.

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Marmalade Cat Cafe, a local coffee and goods shop, also partnered with Staples to offer a new cafe location within the store. Shoppers will be able to enjoy the local business while shopping for school supplies or work supplies.

鈥淭heir carrot cake is unbelievable,鈥� said Boone about Marmalade Cat Cafe.

鈥淲e鈥檙e super excited to have them in here. Part of who we are is partnering with local entrepreneurs and I鈥檓 happy to work with them,鈥� said Boone.

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