Even while moving ahead with plans to close almost 200 small post offices in an attempt to cut its operating costs, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is now selling postal products and services at 1,083 Office Depot stores nationwide.
Offered at the Office Depots are Priority and Express Mail service, Flat Rate boxes and envelopes, and postage stamps.
"We're excited to extend some of the best shipping values in the country to Office Depot customers, at a time and place that's convenient to them," said Susan Plonkey, of the USPS in a press release. "Small businesses, especially, will be able to compare shipping companies side by side and see for themselves that Postal Service prices are very competitive and affordable."
According to a Washington Post article, Office Depot employees will handle the postal services and products. In addition, reports the Post, "no money changed hands" in establishing the USPS-Office Depot deal.
Reporting a $3.5 billion loss in the third quarter of 2010, and facing a projected $7 billion loss for the entire fiscal year, the USPS' Delivering the Future plan seeks congressional approval to cut out Saturday mail delivery, close underutilized local post offices and open small postal service facilities in existing retail locations such as grocery stores, pharmacies, retail centers, and office supply stores.
The Postal Service has also requested a postage hike starting in January 2011 which, according to postal officials will "add less than 13 cents a month to the average American household's budget."
Also See:
Postal Service Loses $3.5 Billion in Third Quarter
Will Congress Save Saturday Mail... Again?
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