Reorganization of German retail outlet network almost complete

Deutsche Post will complete the reorganization of its retail outlet network by late 2005. The target figure of 12,000 retail outlets required by the legislator will have been reached once the measure is completed. The goal of the reorganization is to reconcile regulatory requirements, customer demand and profitability in the approximately 13,000 retail outlets still currently operating. Unprofitable retail outlets in approximately 600 locations will be closed by late 2004 and replaced by a mobile postal service. In return, Deutsche Post has provided some 1,300 locations with a guarantee that their retail outlets will be retained or new ones opened as part of its voluntary commitment.
In this context, Deutsche Post again clearly states that it will in future continue to meet all statutory requirements regarding its network of retail outlets-with no ifs, ands or buts. This likewise applies to the content of its voluntary commitment, which goes far beyond the existing legal framework and was warmly welcomed by all parliamentary groups in the German Bundestag in June: the company will operate at least 12,000 retail outlets throughout Germany in the future. Deutsche Post will maintain one retail outlet in all densely built-up areas with more than 2,000 inhabitants. In addition, the mobile postal service will ensure that all rural areas likewise have postal services available to them. The reorganization of the retail outlet network is intended to help sustainably ensure the financing of the overall service network for all citizens as well as to stabilize postage charges, which have in fact been lowered in the past.
The reorganization of the retail outlet network is Deutsche Post’s response to the clearly altered customer behavior evident in the past years and the accompanying sharp drop in demand registered in many locations. Numerous studies have revealed that only 20% of the population visits postal retail outlets more than once a month in towns with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants. In fact, 40% visit the retail outlet less than twice a year or do not visit it at all. On average, more than 50% of customers visit a postal retail outlet every two to three months or less.