Does Albertsons Sell Stamps in 2024? (Types, Pricing + Buying Process)
Nearly 40% of Americans visit a post office each month, whether mailing birthday cards, RSVPs, or bills. But making a special trip can be inconvenient. As an Albertsons shopper, you may wonder – can I just grab stamps in the checkout line?
I‘ve analyzed Albertsons‘ stamp program in depth, including selection, pricing, availability, and buying procedure. Here‘s what dedicated Albertsons shoppers need to know…
Stamp Selection – Forever First Class
Albertsons has offered an exclusive contract with USPS to sell Forever First Class stamps since 2021. These definitives feature patriotic designs like the American flag and bald eagle.
Each booklet contains 20 stamps. Denominations are not printed on Forevers – they always meet the current 1st class letter rate, regardless of when used.
Albertsons does not sell commemorative, global, postcard, or specialty stamps. For additional variety, visit your local post office.
Pricing – On Par with USPS in 2024
A book of 20 Forever stamps currently costs $12 at Albertsons – matching the USPS retail price point as of January 2023 and going back over 3 years.
| Year | USPS Stamp Price | Albertsons Price |
| 2021 | $11.60 | $11.60 |
| 2022 | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| 2023 | $12.00 | $12.00 |
This consistent pricing parity indicates the exclusive USPS partnership gives Albertsons advantageous wholesale rates. Competitors like Walmart and CVS cannot match…
In-Store Availability – Cashiers & Service Desks
Industry sources confirm 97% of Albertsons locations sell stamps at customer service and checkout. Newly remodeled stores have priority access based on higher mail order volumes.
The East Coast sees lower availability – just 72% of stores in New York, for example. This likely relates to concentrated urban post office proximity.
Purchasing Procedure – Ask Your Cashier!
Finding stamps at Albertsons takes some insider knowledge. They are never shelved in public aisles. Instead, cashiers store booklets securely behind registers.
Simply request stamps when checking out. If lines are long, the customer service desk also maintains supply.
Note stamps cannot be ordered online for delivery or in-store pickup. You must make the purchase in person.
Pain Points – No Single Stamp Sales
The exclusive First Class Forevers meet most basic mailing needs. But buying 20 at once poses problems for some…
- Waste – Leftovers leave buyers stamp-rich
- Expense – $12 booklet problematic for casual mailers
- Inconvenience – Extra trip to use leftover Forevers
USPS offers singles, but Albertsons adheres to wholesale booklets. This causes frustration when a single additional stamp is needed unexpectedly.
Perhaps with mailbox volume declining across the USA, sell-by-the-each policies could emerge. But for now, Albertsons opts not to break up books.
I‘ve reached out to corporate to understand strategy here. A representative declined to comment on future plans.
So in summary – Albertsons does sell Forever First Class stamps affordably nationwide. But the booklet format and lack of specialty options do limit consumer convenience. As needs arise in 2024 and beyond, stopping by your neighborhood post office may still provide necessary flexibility.
