Reference no: EM133035520

You have recently been elected the CEO of Staples (assume it is the time of the case). In addition to office products, Staples sells "Food and Breakroom" products which include soda, potato chips and other snacks. A consumer advocacy group has been pushing Staples to stop selling these products since, in their view, they are unhealthy, add to obesity, etc. You are not a big consumer of these products, but they have been part of the lineup at Staples as part of an effort to make Staples a one-stop shop for small businesses and to create some impulse sales to consumers. Assume that Staples makes a positive profit margin on the sale of these products.

You are now considering the position of the consumer advocacy group and are looking at it from a corporate social responsibility point of view. The CFO has already briefed you on the attractive economics of the product line. Will you stop the sale of soda and snacks at Staples' stores? Make a compelling argument for or against the proposition from a corporate social responsibility point of view and remember to do so in the role ofthe CEO of Staples