POST OFFICE PREDICT PEAK POSTING PERIOD AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS

• Post Office anticipates that Monday 20 December will be busiest day of year in Post Office branches
• Post Office share top tips to ensure Brits are well prepared ahead of posting to avoid Christmas disappointment

Brits hoping to avoid the seasonal rush are in luck as new Post Office figures have today revealed the peak posting day for festive shoppers in the run up to Christmas.

Post Office are anticipating Monday 20 December to be the day when its branches are busiest as festive fervent shoppers hurry to ship last minute gifts and presents.

In part, this is because there are a full five working days before Christmas this year, meaning customers may be tempted to wait until the last moment to tackle their Christmas ‘to do’ list.

In 2019, the two weeks ahead of Christmas saw post offices more than double their trading activity and Post Office are warning customers of a similar pattern this year.

Post Office is encouraging customers to avoid the in-branch seasonal rush and ensure gifts are delivered promptly by sharing top tips for posting and with good reason.

The festive posting pressures are being felt across the nation. Recent Post Office research has shown that 25% of Brits are worried they will be seen to be not making an effort if Christmas gifts don’t arrive on time, with one in 10 anxious that they may have to explain to kids why Santa didn’t bring gifts![1]

Post Office are advising those posting internationally, or opting for second class, to come into branch earlier if possible as customers look to ensure their post and parcels arrive safely and securely abroad. Post Office customers can benefit from the advice and guidance from trained staff to make sure parcels are accurately weighed, priced and sent correctly.

Reflecting on the days ahead, Laura Joseph, Post Office Customer Experience Director, has shared her five top tips to customers and communities for posting this Christmas:

1. Where possible, avoid the lunchtime rush and make use of longer opening hoursby popping in early or in the evening, perhaps after work.
2. Try to prepare what you can before you head into branch to save time. Don’t wait until you’re in a busy branch to pack items: it’s much better to do it in the comfort of your own home.
3. If you’re posting abroad, make a note of the last posting dates and make use of online customs forms. You can fill these in advance of your trip which will help save time.
4. Think about what you’re posting. If you’re uncertain, check the restricted items list to avoid disappointment. Many people don’t realise that you can’t post gifts containing alcohol, nail polish, aftershave or perfume abroad so it’s a good idea to check in advance.
5. Make sure your parcels are in a fit state to send (for example, parcels with strings or bows on the outer layer aren't always accepted) and don’t forget that you can take advantage of services with tracking and cover for high value goods.

Laura Joseph, Customer Experience Director at Post Office, said: “We all know how exhausting the Christmas rush can be each year. And we all want to make sure our Christmas cards and presents arrive in time for the big day, especially when we can’t be together in person. In our 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK, our Postmasters help their local communities to do exactly that, making sure Christmas is special wherever you are.”

ENDS

For more information this Christmas period, head to the Post Office’s Christmas hub, https://www.postoffice.co.uk/christmas.

About the Post Office

• With over 11,500 branches, Post Office has the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined.
• Post Office is helping anyone who wants cash to get it whichever way is most convenient. Partnership with over 30 banks, building societies and credit unions means that 99% of UK bank customers can access their accounts at their Post Office.
• Cash withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries can be made securely and conveniently over the counter at any Post Office; and the biggest investment by any organisation or company in the last decade is being made to safeguard 1,400 free-to-use ATMs across the UK.
• Post Office is simplifying its proposition for Postmasters with a focus on its cash and banking; mails and parcels; foreign exchange; and bill payments services.
• Research has found that visits to the Post Office help drive another 400 million visitors to other shops, restaurants and local businesses equating to an estimated £1.1 billion in additional revenue for High Street businesses.
• 99.7% of the population live within three miles of a Post Office; and 4,000 branches are open seven days a week.