Edeka closes post office in Heikendorf: Rising flood of packages overwhelmed!

Edeka closes post office in Heikendorf: Rising flood of packages overwhelmed!

Heikendorf is facing a significant change in parcel delivery: At the beginning of 2026, the Edeka partner branch, which has been offering DHL services in Heikendorf since 2006, will close. This decision is no coincidence, as the continually increasing number of packages has put a strain on the working conditions in the branch. Edeka Ristow is closing the DHL station due to insufficient commissions and lack of space, reports Kn-online.

Parcel volumes have increased significantly since the Corona pandemic. Meanwhile, Dennis Thimm, authorized representative at Edeka Ristow, explains that freight forwarders come by up to three times a day to pick up the packages. But space is running out, and Edeka plans to use the space this frees up for additional checkouts for self-scanning. The rental agreement with the post office expires on December 31, 2025, which means the branch will close.

The future of parcel delivery in Heikendorf

Currently, Heikendorf residents only have the post office in the Rewe market as a contact point, which will be available from January 2026. The opening times there are generous: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In addition, residents can continue to use the DHL packing station at Aldi am Tobringer, which is accessible around the clock and enables parcels to be delivered quickly and easily, explains DHL.de.

With regard to the supporting services in Heikendorf, DHL also announces discussions with new branch partners in order to provide a comprehensive offering there. According to DHL, there are around 38,000 drop-off points in Germany, including numerous post offices and parcel shops, which often offer flexible opening hours and friendly service. These options will certainly benefit many, as a large number of citizens have recognized the advantages of sending parcels through DHL.

Criticism of the current framework conditions

The Edeka branch's decision not only highlights the challenges that local providers face, but also casts a critical eye on the support provided by DHL. There is great dissatisfaction with the meager commissions and the lack of support. This not only applies to Heikendorf, but also affects the similar situation in the Mönkeberg branch, whose future is also uncertain.

Overall, the current trend makes it clear that a rethink is required, especially in the e-commerce sector, in order to meet consumer demands. Although DHL has committed itself to offering climate-neutral logistics services by 2050, it is at the same time faced with the challenge of maintaining the quality of supply in the regional markets within the existing network. Particularly in view of the currently stagnating number of letter shipments, which has fallen by 23% since 2019, DHL must continue to innovate in order to remain competitive in the hotly contested logistics market, as Statista shows.