Deutsche Post attempts to calm fears over in-shop outlets in Germany

The German postal and telecommunications sector regulator has stated that it is not in a position to intervene in contract negotiations between Deutsche Post, the German national postal service operator, and post office outlets. While the number of Deutsche Post outlets currently stands at 12,800, the regulator has explained that it could not intervene unless the number of outlets were to fall below 12,000. Some retail associations in Germany have accused Deutsche Post of reducing remuneration for its 7,800 counters in outlets such as foodstores, and of closing smaller outlets in its drive to slim down its office network.

Deutsche Post rejects the accusations, arguing that it is simply taking steps to improve the profitability of its network of outlets, and informing that, out of those in-shop outlets contacted, more than 70 per cent have opted to renew their contracts. The postal service operator has also attempted to calm fears that its pilot project involving a network of in-shop outlets in the stationary outlets of mail order group Quelle might signal a move away from post office counters in corner shops.

Abstracted from Handelsblatt in German Europe Intelligence Wire – Copyright 2003 Financial Times Information. Source: Financial Times Information Limited