News Summary
Three UPS Store franchises in Northeast Pennsylvania, located in Dallas, Dickson City, and Honesdale, are set to close, with the Dallas store’s final operating day on June 23. Franchise owner Dave McQueen cited challenges in transitioning ownership and UPS’s requirement for a long-term renewal contract as contributing factors. While UPS recently announced corporate workforce reductions, these closures are confirmed to be independent operations. The loss of these stores raises concerns about the impact on local businesses and services that rely on UPS services.
Pennsylvania – Three UPS Store franchises in Northeast Pennsylvania will close their doors, confirmed by franchise owner Dave McQueen. The stores are located in Dallas, Dickson City, and Honesdale, with the Dallas location’s last operational day set for June 23. Specific closing dates for the Dickson City and Honesdale stores have not been disclosed.
The closure of these franchises has raised questions, but McQueen has refrained from specifying the reasons, directing inquiries to UPS’ public relations department. UPS spokeswoman Mia Gonzales clarified that the UPS Store franchises are independently operated, indicating that the closure of these three locations is not linked to the broader corporate reductions announced earlier this year.
Earlier in 2023, UPS disclosed plans to reduce its corporate workforce by approximately 20,000 employees and close over 70 facilities in 2025. These decisions stemmed from challenges posed by new or increased tariffs and other economic conditions affecting the company. However, Gonzales emphasized that the independent nature of franchise operations means closures can occur without direct connection to corporate decisions.
McQueen, who is 84 years old, has been trying to find a buyer for the franchises for the last couple of years. His efforts to sell faced setbacks, including a recent deal failing due to financing issues. While he sought to continue operating the franchises with a month-to-month lease, rental agreements required by UPS forced a closure decision.
Rob Finlay, the president and CEO of Humford Equities, which manages the properties, stated that UPS mandated McQueen to sign a 10-year franchise-renewal contract involving significant remodeling. Finlay labeled these requirements as unreasonable given McQueen’s age and ongoing efforts to transition ownership of the stores.
The UPS Stores offer vital services such as printing, mailbox services, and shipping, which provide substantial convenience compared to UPS Access Points and drop-off boxes located at other retailers. These store closures will mean a reduced number of franchise options in the area, which includes other UPS Store locations in nearby towns including Edwardsville, Hazleton, Wyoming and Clarks Summit in Lackawanna County.
As the closure date approaches, there remains hope from both employees and Finlay for a last-minute buyer to step in and preserve the business. Finlay expressed appreciation for the staff and service provided at the Dallas location, underscoring the loss to the community that will result from the closure.
The impending shutdown of these franchises adds to the challenges the UPS brand faces in navigating economic conditions. Community members and employees express concern about the loss of essential services provided by these locations, signaling the potential impact on local businesses and residents who rely on the UPS Stores for their shipping and service needs.
In conclusion, the closures underscore the fragility of small business operations amid economic fluctuations and the unique challenges faced by franchise owners trying to sustain their livelihoods and communities during uncertain times.
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