Chaloner co-designs Dutch post offices

The Netherlands post office, Postkantoor, is preparing to unveil a branch design concept created in collaboration with David Chaloner, former retail director at Conran & Partners.

Scheduled to launch this May following tests with an initial prototype branch, the interiors will offer a more open environment and greater use of interactive screens and fewer staffed counters.

‘We are trying to free up the environment so that customers can use the post offices at different speeds. The front end is self-service using screen technology, after which customers can be guided to a manned desk for ratification [of any transaction],’ explains Chaloner.

Postkantoor is owned by Postbank and TNT Post, the most prominent brands in branches. ‘They want their brands to remain prominent but we are looking at an amalgamation of all the brands including Postkantoor,’ adds Chaloner.