Lyra Sees Signs Staples Is Bowing To HP, Epson In Toner Market

a release last week

Since Staples' consumables in many cases undercut toner pricing of Tier 1 printer manufacturers, such a move could have a ripple effect in consumables pricing.

Staples spokesmen didn't return calls last week seeking comment on the Lyra remarks. A quick perusal of Staples' website and online catalog, though, shows the company's sales of its branded toner compatible with Canon, Lexmark, Brother, Sharp, Pitney Bowes and, yes, HP and Epson toner is still going strong.

Lyra, though, said rumors were rampant in 2006 that HP would cut a deal with Staples to drop the non-HP toner that works with its printers, and that Epson has been working hard to reduce the number of non-Epson ink that works with its printers.