USPS Won't Close Offices, Will Conduct Studies First

The United States Postal Service announced Tuesday they will be studying 3,700 post offices to determine the need for physical retail locations. USPS currently has nearly 32,000 offices nationwide.

Although the USPS did not release the timeline for the study, they said with more people using web applications and smart phones to shop, pay bills and communicate, they need to reevaluate. 

“Today, more than 35 percent of the Postal Service’s retail revenue comes from expanded access locations such as grocery stores, drug stores, office supply stores, retail chains, self-service kiosks, ATMs and usps.com, open 24/7,” said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe in a press release. “Our customer’s habits have made it clear that they no longer require a physical post office to conduct most of their postal business.”

The USPS is referring to third-party retailers, such as local grocery stores or drug stores, as "Village Post Offices." They say if these locations offer access to postal services, they may be a successful alternative to a traditional post office.

“The Postal Service of the future will be smaller, leaner and more competitive and it will continue to drive commerce, serve communities and deliver value,” Donahoe added.

Sentiments supporting a more streamlined postal service were echoed by Patch readers.

"Growing up with the post office on La Cruz, [it] was always an easy place to go," said Krista, a Pacific Palisades resident.

"With the PO on Sunset, I would go to Malibu or Santa Monica before I would go to the Palisades, simply because of the lines and madness," Krista commented on an article posted Tuesday. "No parking, no space … I say move it or close it—no difference to me."

Another Patch reader agreed. "It's huge a distraction on Sunset," said Stephanie in response to Krista's comment. "Once again, it's atoms versus electrons. I pay my bills online."

While the West Hollywood post offices will not be included in the study, six nearby locations are included. See the following list:

For a complete list of the post offices USPS will be studying in California, click here.

For a complete list of the post offices USPS will be studying nationwide, click here.