Staples Employee Reveals How Viral ‘Staples Baddie’ Trend Turned His Easy Job Into Chaos (Exclusive)

In a remarkable twist for one New York City Staples employee, the world of retail has been turned upside down due to the viral influence of social media. Aran, a 22-year-old sales associate, has recently experienced an influx of customers clamouring for personalised products, all thanks to fellow employee Kaeden Rowland’s TikTok stardom. Rowland, also 22, who operates under the pseudonym “Oblivion”, has drawn attention on the platform by showcasing some of Staples’ lesser-known services, such as custom mugs, stamps, and art prints.

Rowland’s engaging posts, which have amassed over 500,000 followers and millions of views, have sparked a dramatic increase in foot traffic to the store. This surge has completely transformed Aran’s work routine. “Before Kaeden’s videos, my day was mainly spent sorting Amazon returns and taking smoke breaks,” he explained in an interview. “But once I saw that first viral video, I realised it was time to step up my game. Now, we have lines out the door of customers eager for custom planners and other personalised products.”

Aran decided to share his own experience on TikTok as a light-hearted way to cope with the newfound chaos at work. His video humourously reflected his perspective as the pressure mounted, quickly gaining traction with over four million views and countless comments. “So there’s Staples Baddie and then there’s ☝🏼 Staples Saddie,” joked one viewer, while another quipped, “You mean you gotta work?! AT WORK?! Insane!” Such interactions highlight the camaraderie between customers and retail staff in light-hearted banter over their experiences.

Despite the comical nature of the situation, Aran’s thoughts have shifted regarding the impact customers have on retail employees. He expressed a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play. “I hope people see my video and realise that by simply walking into a store, they affect the lives of employees,” he stated. “We don’t just serve products; we perform labour in a society that often overlooks our humanity and values us as mere commodities.”

With the onslaught of new customers, Aran acknowledged that his coworkers also resonate with his sentiments. The retail environment often demands physical and emotional labour from staff, and the recent surge in business has given him pause for reflection on the nature of work in a retail setting.

Further amplifying the humour in the situation, he jokingly directed some playful criticism towards Rowland. “To the Staples Baddie, I would say you are a traitor to your own kind,” he remarked, drawing a humorous parallel to historic figures in the context of their shared workplace. “If I’m the Julius Caesar of the Staples community, you, dear Kaeden, are definitely Brutus.”

The unfolding story underscores the vibrant intersection of social media and traditional retail. With Rowland’s videos breathing life into the customer experience at Staples, both employees and customers are learning to navigate this new landscape together. Aran’s witty reflections offer a glimpse into the often-overlooked lives of retail workers, who must adapt to changing demands while still providing service.

As retailers continue to grapple with the impact of online shopping and evolving customer expectations, the experience of Aran and Rowland serves as a reminder of the power of social media in shaping consumer behaviour. Their story encapsulates a modern retail moment, where creativity and connection can lead to both chaos and camaraderie. The success brought about by Rowland’s viral videos may well be a boon for Staples, potentially leading to increased sales and employee support.

In a world where retail roles are perpetually under scrutiny, Aran’s outspoken remarks on TikTok serve not just as a testament to the ongoing evolution of customer service but also as a call for empathy and recognition of the hard work performed by retail staff. As Aran navigates this unexpected whirlwind, he stands as a voice for many in the industry, reminding customers of the human element behind every transaction.