Postal Service's "Village" Plan Offers Corner Store Opportunities

The USPS is targeting more than 3,600 post offices for possible closure this year under a plan released on Tuesday.

July 27, 2011

NEW YORK - While many communities across the U.S. "are lamenting the possible loss of the local post office," some local businesses may be gaining a new opportunity.

Dubbed "village" post offices, the Wall Street Journal writes that "a new alternative post-office model being introduced by the U.S. Postal Service could bring needed foot traffic to corner markets, convenience stores and other merchants who have been hit by the economic downturn," according to Postmaster Patrick R. Donahoe.

Yesterday the USPS released a list of 3,653 mostly small-town post offices that will be studied for possible closure. In doing so, the postal service also described a "new strategy to hire local business to offer mailing services."

The agency hopes to begin opening as many as 2,500 "village" post offices by the fall, where the USPS would contract with small businesses in towns that are losing a post office. According to Donahoe, the plan would add convenience for consumers who may already be shopping in these places and would also bring more foot traffic to local merchants. "It's a good opportunity for small businesses," he said, adding, "Many general stores are hanging on for dear life out there with the recession and a lot of other issues."

Businesses that contract with the postal service can put the extra money towards rent, utility bills, etc., he said.

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