Local PostShops 'stable'

Hawke's Bay PostShops are unlikely to close and might even benefit from nationwide NZ Post cost-cutting, says Jeff Whittaker, Havelock North PostShop owner and NZ PostShop Franchise Association chairman.
Mr Whittaker said franchised PostShops were far more cost-effective to run than larger corporate stores because they were incorporated into other business such as pharmacies, book stores or dairies.
"Looking at them, I think they're all pretty stable," he said. "I don't think there will be any threatened in Hawke's Bay, but what I might suggest is that there will be more franchised PostShops coming."
New Zealand Post, a state-owned enterprise, announced last week it was running an annual $40 million loss and would start cost-cutting to make up the deficit.
Spokesperson John Tulloch said the company would focus on corporate stores - those operating solely as PostShops - first, as they were the source of higher fixed costs.
In Hawke's Bay, most PostShops were operating as franchises from other base businesses.
Mr Whittaker, who runs a PostShop franchise through his Havelock North pharmacy, said it was likely the axing of corporate stores would bring franchise opportunities to the bay.
"There's a lot more business opportunity coming up with PostShops because it could very well be the intention of New Zealand Post to franchise a lot more PostShops," he said. "The big things it saves them is admin, rent and management costs."
Mahora Pharmacy on Tomoana Rd was a perfect example, Mr Whittaker said. The original PostShop in Mahora closed in 2009 when its franchisee was forced into liquidation, but it was reinvented as part of the pharmacy a few months later. Mr Tulloch said New Zealand Post was also looking to start trialling automated kiosks by the end of the year, where customers could pay bills, buy mobile phone credit and stamps, and send parcels.