Award-winning local store Best-one Brownlie’s of Biggar added another string to its bow when it introduced a Post Office in August 2013. Almost two years on, postmaster Donna Morgan reckons the additional services and the store team’s commitment to good communication has helped increase retail sales at the shop.
She and husband Bruce had successfully run Brownlie’s, a convenience store with a twist – it specialises in high-quality local produce and has a renowned selection of interesting beers, wine and spirits – for seven years before adding the Post Office business. Since doing so the shop’s retail trade has increased 10% year on year.
“I wanted to take on the Post Office when the opportunity arose, because it’s a vital service for the community and also because I felt it could boost my retail business,” said Donna.
She worked hard to tell customers about the changes, including extended opening hours. The branch is now open from 6am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 10pm on a Sunday – double the previous Post Office hours.
“It’s meant a big change in habit for a lot of people,” she said.
“At first, customers were still queuing up at 9am but we’ve put a lot of effort into talking to customers and showing them how they can get more out of the Post Office.”
Donna uses Facebook to get the message across, sends out 1,000 leaflets every month, and has given talks in the local school.
“The presence of the Post Office has given the business a boost – I’m seeing customers who never used to come to shop now and they’re using the retail as well.
“Many people commute from Biggar to work in Glasgow and Edinburgh, so we’ve seen people take advantage of our evening Post Office hours.”
• etailers interested in taking on a Post Office can find out more on
www.runapostoffice.co.uk
