Retail shipping service owners have found that offering U.S.Postal Service products and services makes good business sense andpays dividends.
Since its inception two years ago, more than 2,000 retailshipping service operators have surpassed $40 million in sales byparticipating in the Postal Service's Approved Shipper program.
'The Approved Shipper Program enables the Postal Service tobecome more competitive in the retail package market while providingour customers with alternate access to postal products andservices,' said Kathy Ainsworth, USPS retail vice president.'Retailers have the option of adding a surcharge while continuing tosell competitor products and services.'
Other benefits include the program's no-fee license agreement,free signs and other materials.
To offer postal products and services, retail shippers must:
Currently use a postage meter or PC Postage account.
Ensure physical security of the mail.
Properly display Postal Service signs.
Comply with aviation security and hazmat requirements.
Follow the Postal Service product guide for approved shippers.
Accept Click-N-Ship and other prepaid packages.
Obtain approval of the Postal Service's local district manager.
May sales boost industry
With a little help from Uncle Sam, consumers headed back to thestores during May. According to the National Retail Federation,retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, andrestaurants) jumped 3.8 percent unadjusted compared to last year and0.9 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month.
May figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department show totalretail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories suchas autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 1 percentseasonally adjusted from the previous month and 3 percent unadjustedyear-over-year.
'Thanks to the tax rebate checks consumers received last month,the economy got a nice shot in the arm,' said NRF Chief EconomistRosalind Wells. 'It's evident consumers are feeling a bit moreconfident about their expenditures, especially with both April andMay sales seeing positive increases in many sectors.'
As predicted in NRF's tax rebate consumer spending surveys, mostshoppers hit discounters and grocery stores, stocking up onnecessity items.
Sales at grocery stores increased 0.6 percent seasonally adjustedfrom April and 8.5 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Generalmerchandise stores sales increased 1.2 percent seasonally adjustedmonth-to-month and 7.4 percent unadjusted compared to last year.
While many consumers focused on groceries and other necessaryitems, some did splurge. Sales at electronic and appliance storesincreased 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and a solid4.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Clothing and clothingaccessory stores sales increased 0.5 percent seasonally adjustedfrom April and 2.4 percent unadjusted compared to last May.
Sporting goods, book and hobby merchandise also benefited, withsales last month increasing 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 4.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
Health and personal care stores sales also were a bright spot,with sales increasing 0.8 percent seasonally adjusted from lastmonth and 4.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
2nd Whole Foods location
Whole Foods Market has opened a second location in ColoradoSprings, at First & Main Town Center in the former site of WildOats.
'We've made mammoth changes to the store ... shoppers will seejust how much more than just the name has changed,' said LeonardChabiel, store team leader at 3180 New Center Point on PowersBoulevard. 'The difference is tangible.'
Gas prices affecting Fourth
With the rise in gas prices, consumers are thinking twice abouttheir July 4th plans.
According to the National Retail Federation's 2008 IndependenceDay Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted byBIGresearch, 59.4 percent of consumers say increased gas prices willimpact their spending for the holiday, up from 42.1 percent ofconsumers last year.
Additionally, almost 200 million Americans (87.8 percent) believethat gas will cost more by the Fourth of July than it does now.Consumers expect that the average price of gas nationwide will be$4.39 per gallon on July 4.
This year, nearly two-thirds (61.2 percent) of consumers willlight up their grills or attend a cookout or barbecue. Additionally,consumers will attend a fireworks celebration (40.2 percent), go toa parade (10.5 percent) and travel or take a vacation (11.2percent).
