Retailers including Tesco and Ryman are interested in taking on some of the final 108 directly owned Post Office branches, the BBC reports.
The Post Office announced yesterday that it was due to offload the last branches it operates itself and move entirely to a franchise model.
“Ryman currently operates seven Post Offices with two additional ones planned so far this year. As a trusted partner of more than 30 years, Ryman will continue to collaborate with the Post Office where it makes commercial sense for both parties,” said a spokesperson from Ryman.
Chair Nigel Railton said that branches will either remain in the same location or be relocated close to where they are currently to allow customers to keep using services.
“By franchising these branches, we are protecting access to our services for communities right across the UK and realising £40m worth of savings that will enable us to uplift postmasters’ remuneration by up to 10%,” he said.
Sub-postmasters have also reportedly expressed interest in taking over the branches, which the Post Office says are lossmaking.
The news follows the takeover of longtime Post Office retail partner WHSmith’s UK retail arm. New owners Modella Capital confirmed that the 200+ Post Office branches in WHSmith stores would remain as the brand is renamed TG Jones.
No comments yet