Groupon CEO Eric Lefkofsky has boldly proclaimed that he wants Groupon to eventually be the digital storefront where people start any online shopping trip. Now it seems Groupon may aspire to serve the same role for business owners. The deals company sent out an email this week to some of its merchants alerting them to a new business category of products called Groupon Supplies. Among the products being sold are packs of Sharpie markers and Post-It notes as well as boxes of printer paper, but right now the overall selection is modest. Groupon would have a long way to go before being competitive to giant supplies players such as Staples. Asked for comment, Groupon spokesman Nick Halliwell said in a statement, “Groupon has worked with hundreds of thousands of merchants, and we’re excited to help them save money on the things they need to run their business.”