Australia Post reveals 'post office of the future'
Australia Post has unveiled its plans for the next-generation of post office branches as it seeks to become more customer-focused through innovation. The operator’s ‘post office of the future’ will see Australia Post offer a new range of services to enable greater access.
The store will offer a dedicated area for online shopping where online traders can fulfill their postage needs, a travel services zone and a private lounge where customers can complete more complex financial and identity services transactions, Australia Post said.
A 24/7 zone will give customers the chance to send and pick-up parcels at any time they choose, as well as having the option to buy products from Australia Post vending machines, such as stamps and packaging materials.
A ‘post office of the future’ concept store is currently being built in Brisbane, and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Managing director and CEO, Ahmed Fahour (pictured), said that this was the first of many exciting changes to transform Australia Post into a more customer-focused organisation concentrating on eCommerce and trusted services.
“Our retail network is key to our strategy and a critical part in shaping the future of Australia Post – the community is changing and we are changing our stores to meet their needs,” said Fahour.
“Our customers have told us they want more options in how they interact with us, so we will be providing them with greater access, convenience and choice in how they do business with Australia Post.”
The Brisbane GPO has been chosen as the first site for the new store, which was also the location of the first PostShop back in October 1989.
“The Brisbane GPO store will enable us to find out firsthand from customers about what services they use and like, which will help us develop future concept stores across the country,” said executive general manager retail services, Christine Corbett.
The new store will feature six dedicated zones:
- Online shopping zone for online traders including an eBay corner to dispatch parcels, purchase a range of packaging products and shop online with a range of Australia Post eCommerce partners;
- 24/7 zone with parcel lockers where customers can pick up their parcel at any time, a vending machine with packaging products and a self-service terminal where they can weigh, and post parcels as well as an ATM;
- Financial and identity services section where customers can sit down and go through transactions with staff;
- Travel services zone offering foreign exchange and a range of travel related services;
- Self-service terminals to allow customers to pay a bill or post a parcel within Australia; and
- New spacious counters divided into dedicated transaction types.
