CVS pushes post office closure to May

By Becky Bosshart

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 | 3:11 p.m.

The closure of the U.S. Postal Service branch inside Longs Drugs in Sun City Summerlin was pushed back to May 1 as company officials consider its economic effects.

“We’re still reviewing the decision whether or not to close the post office,” Mike DeAngelis, spokesman for CVS/pharmacy, said Tuesday.

CVS, which bought out Longs Drugs last year, is remodeling the Longs store, which included closing the post office branch on March 31 for more retail space. A community outcry, including threats of boycotting and picketing, followed the announcement.

Several residents of the 55-plus community threatened to pull their prescriptions from the store if it shuttered the 9430 Del Webb Blvd. branch. Many seniors walk or drive their golf carts to the post office. Some complained that closing this post office would adversely affect the disabled seniors who can no longer drive outside the community. The main post office at North Town Center Drive is two to three miles outside Sun City Summerlin.

The post office sent a new proposal to CVS headquarters last week. Officials declined to release details.

The post office contracts with retailers to supply the branch with products and delivery services. A percentage of the revenue is paid to the retailer. A postal service spokesman said contract locations often provide more service to customers with longer hours and more convenient locations. And the retailer gets more foot traffic. The branch is staffed by the retailer’s employees.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or [email protected].