The Postal Service unveiled a new prototype for retail locations in Athens, GA, on Oct. 8, part of the Delivering for America plan’s emphasis on modernizing the organization and improving customer service.
The prototype space features upgraded retail counters and expanded self-service options. Customers are also able to avail themselves of certain government services, such as fingerprinting and identity verification, as well as USPS Smart Lockers, which offer a safe and secure option for package delivery.
“The Athens prototype is just the beginning of our journey to reimagine our retail spaces,” said Elvin Mercado, the Postal Service’s retail and Post Office operations vice president, who was recently named acting delivery operations vice president, and who attended the Athens unveiling.
“By incorporating cutting-edge technology and modern design, we’re creating an environment that not only meets but exceeds our customers’ expectations. This is about more than updating our facilities; it’s about building the future of USPS,” Mercado said.
The retail space is next to the Athens Sorting and Delivery Center, a new type of facility that supports the Postal Service’s improved operational system under Delivering for America. S&DCs combine several delivery units into a single large facility that serves multiple ZIP Codes in a geographic area.
In addition to Athens, USPS plans to open retail prototypes in Waco, TX, and Fort Lauderdale, FL, with nine additional locations planned across the United States.
Overall, the Postal Service has dedicated more than $17 billion from the Delivering for America plan’s $40 billion self-funded investment budget to drive the transformation of the organization’s network.