Former Bend Staples Site Eyed for Grocery Store Conversion
Permits filed with the City of Bend outline plans to remodel the former Staples store on Business 97 into a retail grocery store. The work includes interior partitions, finishes, and painting. Grocery Outlet is being considered as a potential tenant.
The filing signals a notable shift for a large-format retail property along a key commercial corridor in Bend. Converting a former office-supply outlet into a grocery store reflects broader trends in adaptive reuse, where big-box spaces are repurposed to meet changing consumer needs. The proposed interior work—partitions, finishes, and painting—suggests a straightforward retrofit rather than a full structural overhaul, which could accelerate the timeline for occupancy. While no tenant is confirmed, the consideration of a discount grocer points to demand for value-oriented food retail in the area.
If realized, this conversion could expand grocery access for nearby residents, potentially reducing travel times for everyday shopping. It may also revitalize a vacant anchor space, supporting surrounding businesses through increased foot traffic. However, added competition could pressure existing grocers, affecting pricing and employment. The project’s impact will depend on final tenant selection and local approval, but it underscores how commercial real estate adapts to shifting retail and food-buying habits.