The Post Office is launching a new store concept called Post Office Plus, aimed at bringing more face-to-face services back to the high street. The initiative is kicking off with three founding partners: Utility Warehouse, Octopus Legacy, and Good Things Foundation.
Each partner will have representatives offering specialist advice on selected days of the week, in break-out rooms in existing Post Office branches.
The first two concept stores launch in Barnsley and Derby this week. Utility Warehouse will be available on Mondays and Tuesdays, offering advice on its energy, mobile, and broadband services.
Good Things Foundation – which offers basic digital skills on internet safety and everyday online tasks and is sponsored by Amazon Web Services – will operate on Thursdays.
Octopus Legacy – which helps people put later-life plans in place, including wills, lasting power of attorney, trusts, and estate planning – will be available on Fridays.
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The services are available on a walk-in basis. Customers can also book in advance with Octopus Legacy and Utility Warehouse. The Post Office said it would bring in new partners as the concept progressed.
The launch was in response to consumer demand for more in-person support for “important life moments”. Many people found answers online, but they also experienced “information overload” and were unsure who to trust.
Half of the people in a survey earlier this year said they would be likely to use digital skills training, energy switching services, or will writing guidance if it were offered in-person in their local area.
Post Office Plus aims to make branches “multi-service community hubs” alongside existing services such as posting parcels, banking, passport applications, and money transfers.
The Post Office said the Plus concept was most suitable for larger, standalone branches. It plans to roll out more concept stores across the UK this year.
At a time when people increasingly want access to trusted face-to-face services close to home, the Post Office, as the UK’s largest retail network, will help keep those essential services on the high street, said Post Office CEO Neil Brocklehurst.
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Neil Brocklehurst said: “Post Office Plus will deliver tangible benefits for everyone involved – more support for customers, new opportunities for partners, and new revenue streams for postmasters.”
Michael Stanley, Utility Warehouse director of strategic partnerships, said: “Utility Warehouse has always run on community spirit, with our network of people helping their friends, family, and neighbours to save on their household bills.
Sam Grice, Octopus Legacy CEO and founder, said: “So much of life is moving online and into AI. But some things still need a human. Planning for death, and finding support after someone dies, are among the most personal things any of us do.
James Muscat-Sharp, Good Things Foundation director of business development and partnerships, said: “Digital technology is vital for accessing essential services, yet for many, the barriers to getting online remain significant.
Blair McDougall MP, Post Office minister, added: “This is an exciting new chapter for the Post Office and for our high streets, bringing trusted, face-to-face services under one roof so people can easily access the support they need for the moments that matter most. As set out in our response to the Green Paper on the Post Office, this government is backing the Post Office.
