Parties to West Coast Ports Reach Tentative Agreement (multichannelmerchant.com)

The U.S. Postal Service is raising the price of stamps AGAIN on January 21. This is the fourth increase in 18 months—the most mailing rates have increased during the U.S. Postal Service’s 248-year history. These increases have harmed mail volume and have not helped the USPS achieve financial stability. In fact, the USPS posted a $6.5 billion loss for FY2023 and is predicting a $6.3 billion loss this fiscal year. And yet, the USPS appears to be on track to raise stamp prices yet again this July. These increases pose a significant threat to consumers and businesses that rely on the USPS. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Sam Graves (R-MO) have teamed up to send a letter to the USPS Board of Governors urging them to delay any further increase this year until the effects of the unprecedented twice-a-year increases on mail volume and revenue are better understood. Keep US Posted encourages everyone who supports affordable postage and quality service to contact their members of Congress to ask them to join Rep. Cleaver and Graves in sending the letter.

Add another accolade to the trophy case in what has turned out to be a banner year for Mryna Blyth, Bob Love, and co. According to the latest data from market research firm GfK MRI, AARP The Magazine has overtaken People as America’s most-read print magazine. An estimated 38.3 million adults read the magazine over the reporting period—which ran from March to November, 2017—narrowly edging out People, which was read by an estimated 37.9 million adults, according to the data, down from 41.4 million a year ago. Click Read More below for additional information.

Macy’s announced that, as part of its Polaris strategy, the company will open four new off-mall, small-format stores this fall. The locations will include Market by Macy’s, a smaller store that offers customers more to love with its curated assortment of the latest fashion trends, as well as the first-ever dual Market by Macy’s and Macy’s Backstage off-price location. “At Macy’s, we thrive on retail being a dynamic business requiring continuous analysis, reinvention and innovation. As customer preferences and buying behaviors change, we continue to evolve to deliver the experience our customers expect,” said Marc Mastronardi, Chief Stores Officer at Macy’s. “As exciting brand extensions, Market by Macy’s and Macy’s Backstage each offer unique shopping experiences – one celebrates discovery and convenience, while the other appeals to the customer who loves the thrill of the hunt for a great value.”