Major change for Australia Post as it trials new 'concept stores'
Australia Post is planning radical new concepts including adding changing rooms to its post office hubs.
Australia Post is shaking things up a little and soon you may be heading to the post office to try on the new dress or shirt you bought online.
The postage giant continues to diversify its business away from traditional mail services and will trial having changing rooms in Australia Post outlets to enable people to return unsuitable online purchases immediately.
Another new concept will see post offices also include a "mini-mall" section, with goods from local businesses on offer for purchase.
The number of letters being sent by Australians continues to drop and with online shopping hitting a record high, Australia Post executives are taking steps to capitalise on its thriving parcel delivery service. The introduction of changing rooms at its post offices simplifies the return process for online customers.
“We’re testing a whole lot of new concepts," Australia Post Executive General Manager Parcel, Post and e-commerce services Gary Starr told News Corp.
"For example, there’s a change room, so I can order online and have it delivered to that community hub post. Try it on and if it’s great, you can take it home, if not, then I can hand it straight back over the counter and it goes back to the retailer, and I can get my money back quicker.”
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Mr Starr said post offices will also showcase the wares of local producers. “It could be a local candle maker or soap maker," he said. "It gives them an offline opportunity that they just don’t have. So we’re going to try that concept.”
The "concept stores" will be launched in Orange, NSW, this year with others to follow in regional and suburban areas.
Aussies spending record amounts on online shopping
On Wednesday Australia Post released its 2023 Inside Australia Online Shopping Report giving an insight into what was purchased online in the past year.
The report found that 82 per cent of all Australian households participated in online shopping and a record breaking $63.8 billion was spent, predicting that by 2033 around 1 in 3 retails dollars will be spent online.
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