Now in operation, Staples' new Velocity Lab will design and implement fresh e-commerce and mobile solutions across the company’s global business to better serve consumers who shop its websites and stores worldwide, it has announced. Located in Massachusetts’ innovation district, Kendall Square in Cambridge, the Velocity Lab can house up to 75 associates and features an open floor plan, collaboration space, telepresence capabilities and hoteling options for visiting employees and guests, Staples noted.

Staples is committed to not only finding the world’s best e-commerce and IT talent, but in creating an environment for them that will stimulate innovation and creative thinking, the company asserted.

Staples recently announced that it is embarking on a strategic plan to better serve the needs of its customers and accelerate growth, it pointed out. As part of that effort, the company plans to integrate its retail and online offering. It has committed to increasing investment in online and mobile capabilities to provide business customers with a seamless multi-channel shopping experience.

“Staples is investing to provide a superior multi-channel shopping experience through the use of our websites, mobile assets and stores,” said Brian Tilzer, Staples senior vp/global e-commerce. “The Staples Velocity Lab is vital to the development of our e-commerce assets, as it provides a space to allow our teams to think creatively, enhancing our mobile commerce, social media and online offerings.”

Staples relate that it wants to triple the size of its e-commerce and IT staff by 2014 and is adding product management, usability and creative positions as it invests further in the multi-channel customer experience across mobile devices, desktops and stores.