It could be the end for many post offices across the country, and Richmond is no exception.
The U.S. Postal Service announced Tuesday that it might close more than 3,600 of its offices, potentially including six in Richmond.
USPS operates almost 32,000 retail offices across the country, 3,653 of which are being considered for closure.
Including the six in Richmond, 95 postal retail stores across Virginia are under review.
The Richmond offices under review are at 700 E. Main St., 205 N. Second St., 414 N. 25th St., 3004 North Ave., 1625 W. Broad St. and 2102 Hopkins Road.
In announcing its sweeping plan, the service said the decision was fueled by a rise in the number of people using online postal options and other sources to send their mail.
“Today, more than 35 percent of the Postal Service’s retail revenue comes from expanded access locations such as grocery stores, drug stores, office supply stores, retail chains, self-service kiosks, ATMs and usps.com, open 24/7,” Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said in a prepared statement Tuesday.
“As more customers choose to conduct their postal business online, on their smart phones and at their favorite shopping destinations, the need for the U.S. Postal Service to maintain its nearly 32,000 retail offices — the largest retail network in the country — diminishes.”
The need to cut costs is likely a factor in the plan. The Postal Service had annual revenue of more than $67 billion last year and delivers almost 40 percent of the world’s mail but lost $8 billion last year.
This latest announcement marks the second time this year that post offices were put on the clock for consolidation. In January, the post office announced that 1,400 offices were under review. So far, 280 have been closed and 200 have completed the review process and remain open.
The offices that are selected for review have up to 60 days to file comments. Offices that are chosen for closure have the option to appeal to the Independent Postal Regulatory Commission.
The Postal Service also announced that it would be launching an alternative to its retail stores: a concept called Village Post Offices.
These will be offices operated by grocery stores, pharmacies and other local businesses. They would offer postal products and services such as stamps and flat rate packaging.
See the full lists of offices and branches under review here.
It could be the end for many post offices across the country, and Richmond is no exception.
The U.S. Postal Service announced Tuesday that it might close more than 3,600 of its offices, potentially including six in Richmond.
USPS operates almost 32,000 retail offices across the country, 3,653 of which are being considered for closure.
Including the six in Richmond, 95 postal retail stores across Virginia are under review.
The Richmond offices under review are at 700 E. Main St., 205 N. Second St., 414 N. 25th St., 3004 North Ave., 1625 W. Broad St. and 2102 Hopkins Road.
In announcing its sweeping plan, the service said the decision was fueled by a rise in the number of people using online postal options and other sources to send their mail.
“Today, more than 35 percent of the Postal Service’s retail revenue comes from expanded access locations such as grocery stores, drug stores, office supply stores, retail chains, self-service kiosks, ATMs and usps.com, open 24/7,” Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said in a prepared statement Tuesday.
“As more customers choose to conduct their postal business online, on their smart phones and at their favorite shopping destinations, the need for the U.S. Postal Service to maintain its nearly 32,000 retail offices — the largest retail network in the country — diminishes.”
The need to cut costs is likely a factor in the plan. The Postal Service had annual revenue of more than $67 billion last year and delivers almost 40 percent of the world’s mail but lost $8 billion last year.
This latest announcement marks the second time this year that post offices were put on the clock for consolidation. In January, the post office announced that 1,400 offices were under review. So far, 280 have been closed and 200 have completed the review process and remain open.
The offices that are selected for review have up to 60 days to file comments. Offices that are chosen for closure have the option to appeal to the Independent Postal Regulatory Commission.
The Postal Service also announced that it would be launching an alternative to its retail stores: a concept called Village Post Offices.
These will be offices operated by grocery stores, pharmacies and other local businesses. They would offer postal products and services such as stamps and flat rate packaging.
See the full lists of offices and branches under review here.