Londis and the Post Office will be unveiling the next generation Combi counter at a store in Leyton, east London on November 25.
The combination stores use a single counter for both retail and post office operations instead of having a separately screened post office branch in the store.
The new format will feature an updated backpanel of the Combi counter with lifestyle graphics and new imagery in a joint fascia.
It will extend the post office hours of business as services will be available during Londis opening hours seven days a week.
The news comes after the Post Office announced a £210m government package that will pave the way for the closure of up to 30% of the 9,000 urban post offices. Meanwhile the 8,500 rural post offices will benefit from a proposed £450m government subsidy.
The Association of Convenience Stores welcomed the subsidy to preserve rural post offices.
"Retailers want to hold on to post office outlets because they see the benefits that they provide," said an ACS spokesman.
The ACS is in informal talks with Consignia over ways of making its contract with subpostmasters more beneficial for rural retailers.
The beleaguered Consignia is losing £3m per week due to increased market competition. It also looks set to lose footfall and commission from April 2003 when individual state benefits start being paid directly into bank accounts.
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The combination stores use a single counter for both retail and post office operations instead of having a separately screened post office branch in the store.
The new format will feature an updated backpanel of the Combi counter with lifestyle graphics and new imagery in a joint fascia.
It will extend the post office hours of business as services will be available during Londis opening hours seven days a week.
The news comes after the Post Office announced a £210m government package that will pave the way for the closure of up to 30% of the 9,000 urban post offices. Meanwhile the 8,500 rural post offices will benefit from a proposed £450m government subsidy.
The Association of Convenience Stores welcomed the subsidy to preserve rural post offices.
"Retailers want to hold on to post office outlets because they see the benefits that they provide," said an ACS spokesman.
The ACS is in informal talks with Consignia over ways of making its contract with subpostmasters more beneficial for rural retailers.
The beleaguered Consignia is losing £3m per week due to increased market competition. It also looks set to lose footfall and commission from April 2003 when individual state benefits start being paid directly into bank accounts.
{{NEWS }}
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