Swiss Post unveils “network of the future”

Swiss Post has announced that it aims to extend the number of its access points from the current 3,700 to at least 4,000 by 2020 – and this overall growth will be accompanied by the continuing development of branches from traditional post offices into the “proven agency format”. In a statement issued today (26 October), Swiss Post said that it “envisages a network of 800 to 900 traditional post offices by 2020” ( it currently has 1,400) – and added: “The exact number depends on the outcome of discussions with the cantons and municipalities.”

However, Swiss Post said that it will “avoid closing post offices without replacing them, and will provide alternative solutions in all cases”.

The number of postal agencies – “branches with partner” – will increase from 800 to 1,200-1,300. These will continue to be supplemented by access points such as the home delivery service, My Post 24 terminals, business customer points and other acceptance and collection points.

Swiss Post added: “Over the past ten years, the postal agency – with opening hours that are often more than twice as long as usual and the combination with partner businesses – has increasingly established itself as a practical access point. Frequently, this trend also makes economic sense. In many cases, the collaboration with local partners means that local structures can be preserved and reinforced.”

The postal operator will be encourage the public to have their say and play a part in the transformation of the postal network, through a series of meeting that will start in January.

” The concerns of citizens will be taken seriously, while at the same time, a better explanation of the new, alternative access points and services will be provided,” said Swiss Post.

Swiss Post anticipates that around 1,200 employees may be affected by the changes by 2020 – and it emphasised that “the stated goal is to continue to avoid redundancies”.