Office supply and stationery retailer Staples will close 23 stores as it reshapes its business in light of its growing online sales.

It is understood the retailer, which has 134 stores in total, has already started the closing down process with the Rochdale store plastered with “closing down” signage closed today and the Wrexham branch expected to close in January.

In a statement, Staples said: “We are reshaping our business in the UK to serve customers who increasingly shop with us online.

“Staples is investing in its online channel to provide customers a seamless shopping experience across our websites and retail store network.

“In spite of these changes, we are confident we will continue to be our customer’s trusted source for their business’s needs.”

It emerged earlier this week that Staples is introducing drop-in work spaces in stores in a partnership with office space provider Regus. Initially it will be trialled in four stores but will be rolled out if successful.