It already happened in most specialty retail sectors -- smaller players have either shut their doors or gotten eaten up by the larger competitors.

Borders is close to done, leaving Barnes & Noble alone in book sales. Linens 'n Things closed shop, making Bed Bath & Beyond the dominant force is home furnishings. Best Buy is now the lone major national electronics players after Circuit City's demise.

Some industry observers think the same thing should happen in office supplies, which traditionally has one strong performer, Staples, and two that consistently lag, OfficeMax and Office Depot.

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