Austrian Post introduces its new post office branch design
Austrian port unveils its new design for its post office network.
Austrian Post has opened its first post office in a new design in Vienna (Bahnsteggasse). it involves a comprehensive restructuring of its previous branch concept, to provide customers with more convenience and a new shopping and service experience.
The new design features modern counters with products split by four main topics including gifts, shipping, entertainment as well as paper and stationery.
In the ‘Gifts’ section, customers can get ideas and suggestions for gift wrapping and small presents. The ‘Shipping’ section features envelopes, padded envelopes, post boxes and everything related to this topic while the ‘Entertainment’ section offers a variety of CDs and DVDs. Finally, the table “Paper & Stationery” provides useful items ranging from pens to glue.
In the redesigned queuing area, customers are additionally informed through information screens about new products and special offers.
At the counters, computers that used to sit between postal staff and customers have been moved out of sight allowing for more direct communication, according to the principle of a ‘clean desk policy’. It avoids distractions and makes communication between customer and staff more efficient, the postal operator explained.
For the first time in addition a large area has been created for testing mobile phones and a large self-service zone enabling customers to handle their postal and banking activities 24/7. Mail boxes, ATM machines, printers, transfer and deposit machines are available for customers, while specially trained staff responds to questions about internet, fixed line, mobile phones and more. Customers can purchase smartphones, tablet computers and equipment with the corresponding forms that can be completed in the branch.
“Following the successful launch of the enhanced partnership with BAWAG P.S.K. we developed a new branch concept as the next step, based on customer needs, as well as on our new service offerings and our streamlined product range,” Austrian Post CEO Georg Pölzl said. “The Post has finally started a new era at its branch network.”
Austrian Post’s branch network currently consists of 1,878 post offices throughout Austria including 612 of its own post offices and 1,266 Post-Partner branches. Of the self-operated stores, 353 are already operating in cooperation with BAWAG PSK, and the number of the combined branches is due to increase to more than 500 by the end of the year. Over the next two years, all combined post offices will be switched to the new design.
