New post office models 'must stack up for local shops', says

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New post office models ‘must stack up for local shops’, says ACS

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The Association of Convenience Stores’ (ACS) chief executive James Lowman has told an influential committee of MPs that collaboration is the “key to the success and sustainability of the Post Office’s network transformation programme”.

Commenting after the hearing, Lowman said: “The new locals and main formats have to work for customers and retailers. That means delivering a net profit from commission on transactions and the footfall generated. In order to do this, the Post Office has to look again at the way it restricts retailers, for example taking a cut of National Lottery sales.

“The Post Office must work collaboratively with retailers to make the new operating models as user friendly as possible. This will allow retailers to focus on providing great customer service.”

The comments came after an evidence session at the BIS Select Committee inquiry into Post Office Network Transformation.

Key changes to the Post Office models include:

The introduction of a ‘Main’ Post Office model which would deliver Post Office Services both from a fixed Post Office counter and at the retail point of sale.
A new ‘Local’ model to deliver Post Office services over the retail counter in smaller stores
Post Office opening hours to be extended to the full shop opening hours
No branch closure programme