First Class Opportunity

A Michigan hardw&ro store has discovered that adding an in-store post office has been good for the community and also good for business. Located in Glenn, Mi., Gerstner Hardware is home to the city's Village Post Office, a vital part of the community.

When U.S. Postal Service officials announced they had lost the lease on the building that was the Glenn post office in 2011, they told residents that with the closure of the office, the community would lose its ZIP code. In a small town like Glenn, that was a big deal.

It was also a concem to Gernster Hardware owners Robert and Vicki Amberg, who lived in town for 15 years. The Ambergs had an idea that the post office be housed under their hardware store, as it would be a win-win situation for both Gernsterns foot traffic and the community's desire to save the post office. The Ambergs thought the idea was only appropriate, as the hardware store has served the town for almost 100 years.

"It's a win-win situation. It helps our financial situation, and it increases foot traffic for the business' owners. In this case, people coming in to pick up mail and buy stamps can also buy things at the store," said Sabrina Todd, customer and media relations for U.S. Postal Service.

Both Robert and Vicki Amberg expressed excitement for the merge and feel it has helped the business grow now as it will in the future. The enthusiasm pouring out from the community is only helping the hardware store get more popular, as more locals are visiting the store after they use the post office.

"Local residents were elated to see this happen in our community. Being a part of this 'non-brick and mortar' network is a win-win for both the United States Postal Service and Gerstner Hardware," said Vicki. "Our daily foot traffic has dramatically increased, bringing new customers to our store."

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