Small Town News

Stamp sales earn Costco a national honor from U.S. Postal Service

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Costco received a top honor May 3 for a successful business partnership between the Issaquah-based company and the U.S. Postal Service.

The warehouse club earned a Corporate Business Achievement Award, a distinction reserved for a select group of postal customers. The honor acknowledges and recognizes Costco for contributions to the continued success of the mailing industry

David Fuller, Costco assistant vice president for publishing, accepted the award at the National Postal Forum in San Diego. Costco employs 2,700 people in Issaquah, more than any other business.

Costco joined the stamp consignment program through the postal service to offer postage stamps to warehouse customers. The company started a test in 18 warehouses by placing pallet-sized displays containing 8-inch-by-11-inch placards depicting the Forever Stamp for sale in 100-count packs.

Employees also strategically placed signs reading, "Did you remember to buy stamps?" at every register. Because the initial test turned out to be a success, Costco expanded the program to every U.S. warehouse.

The postal services' headquarters officers handpicked Costco and other Corporate Business Achievement Award honorees. The officers said the honorees used postal products and services to deliver value, and to help strengthen and grow business.

"We are pleased to recognize and honor Costco Wholesale Corp. for its innovation, creativity and leadership," Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman said in a release. "The creative marketing approach was beneficial for both companies. Costco Wholesale was able to increase their sales while delivering value to customers who were already visiting their local Costco warehouse. Costco has produced winning business results and supported the mailing industry."

The annual National Postal Forum is the mailing industry's largest trade show and networking event.



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© 2011 The Issaquah Press Issaquah, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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