The first-quarter earnings of Staples Inc. escalated to 32% as the office-products retailer posted better-than-expected sales growth, in contrast to the precious year. Last year, both the consumers as well as businesses delayed purchasing higher-priced items.

The company reiterated its sales view and raised the low end of its careful March earnings forecast. Thomson Reuters polled the analysts who revealed that a 20-cent profit has been projected and a 3% revenue increase to $5.72 billion is also likely.

Chairman and Chief Executive Ron Sargent said, "Our first quarter performance was strong across the board". In the period of recession, staples fared better than its smaller rivals, as they battled weak demand by selling more lower-cost goods.

Staples also expanded its higher margin line of namesake basics, at the same time as running promotions on pricier items. The business expenditure reduced, Staples as well as other office-supply chains have tackled augmented competition from lower-cost vendors and discount traders.

A profit of $188.8 million was reported by the Company for the quarter ended May 1, which is up from $143 million a year earlier. Earnings rose to 28 cents from 22 cents, irrespective of the restructuring and other impacts. Revenue also increased 4% to $6.1 billion.