An end effector assembly (300) for use with a circular stapler apparatus (10) permits alignment of staple forming pockets (356) of an anvil assembly and staples (312) of a staple cartridge assembly regardless of the relative orientation of the components. The end effector assembly (300) includes a cartridge housing (306), a staple retainer (310) having a plurality of staples (312) arranged in a circular array, a staple pusher (308) at least partially disposed within the cartridge housing (306) and configured for movement through a firing stroke to eject the staples (312) from the staple retainer (310), an anvil rod (348) configured for coupling relative to the cartridge housing (306), and an anvil head (350) including at least one continuous circular staple forming pocket (356). The staple forming pocket (356) is in registration with the staples (312) for at least partial reception of the staples (312) during the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket (356) is configured for at least partially deforming the staples (312).
