More post offices set for c-stores

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Controversial plans from the Post Office to close and franchise 37 Crown offices across the UK could provide a prime business opportunity for independent convenience retailers.

The closure of the larger, high-street sites has been met with resistance from the Communication Workers Union, which staged five days of strikes in the week leading up to Christmas. Members of the public are also said to have backed calls to end the closures by sending 75,000 postcards to the government.

The Post Office, which has more than 11,600 branches in the UK serving 17 million customers each week, argues the move is part of its plan to safeguard the future of the network.

It says having a post office within a c-store allows for extended opening hours and helps drive footfall into the business. While many independents have embraced the opportunity, concerns have been expressed recently about how profitable post offices within convenience outlets are in their own right.

The sale of the 37 Crown post offices will allow independent convenience retailers to incorporate a post office into their store or within a proposed new outlet. Premises need to be able to accommodate a main model post office, with two or more open-plan counters. Exact designs and specifications are discussed with the retailer and designed around their business.

Independent convenience retailers can register their interest and view available post office sites online at http://www.runapostoffice.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. The closing date for applications is 8 February.