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