As part of the transformation of ELTA, the closure of 11 new stores across the country is scheduled from February 20. This transformation constitutes a structured reform, based on detailed network mapping, distance analysis, evaluation of social needs and operational data. This is not a horizontal cessation of store operations, but rather a targeted reorganization of the service delivery method. It is emphasized that the ELTA sign remains throughout the country as the physical presence is not being withdrawn, but functionally reorganized.
Read: ELTA: The first 11 stores will close in February – When will the process be completed
ELTA transformation: The new design
- The basis of the design: The real picture of the network
On 31/10/2025, the nationwide network numbered:
- 475 company-owned stores
- 401 ELTA agencies (shop-in-shop)
- 155 ELTA Courier agencies
Total 1,031 service points
From 1/1/2026, after the suspension of 46 stores in areas of urban density (Attica, Thessaloniki, etc.), where alternative service points already existed, the network is configured as:
- 429 company-owned stores
- 401 ELTA agencies (shop-in-shop)
- 155 ELTA Courier agencies
Total: 985 service points
The changes were made in areas with multiple service options, so that there would be no coverage gap.
- What the new plan provides
The plan includes transferring work from 150 company-owned stores:
- either to new partner agencies
- or to existing nearby service points
In the final scheme, the service points are not reduced as a presence on the map. The number will remain the same.
- Methodology per point
For each case, specific criteria were examined:
- actual distance from alternative postal service point
- existence of ATM or banking institution
- transaction volume
- social and geographical characteristics
Based on this evaluation, 17 stores were excluded from the original plan, because there was no ATM or banking structure in their area. This is a clear social safety valve.
- Organized and transparent preparation
Before each transition there has been:
- dialogue with local authorities
- timely notification of ELTA employees about their new workplace.
- placement of information posters in stores
- distribution of information leaflets to citizens
Additionally, each transition provides for five-day parallel operation of the existing and new service point. At the same time, ELTA staff will undertake the training of new agents and will provide on-site support during the first days of operation, with the aim of ensuring excellent service to citizens.
- Gradual implementation
The transformation is evolving gradually:
- Starting February 20 with 11 stores in the provinces.
- In March follows a second, larger batch of transition to agents.
- Gradual operation of the shop-in-shop model within the next two months.
- There is already intense interest from potential agents throughout the country. Cooperation applications are being submitted, which are examined in detail for adequacy, infrastructure and ability to provide services, so that each new point meets ELTA’s quality standards.
- Essential difference from the past
In contrast to horizontal practices:
- each intervention is made per area
- functional analysis has preceded
- there is a transition period
- banking access is ensured
- physical presence is maintained
Conclusion
The transformation of ELTA is a fully documented, socially sensitive and gradually implemented reform that transforms the network into a more flexible and sustainable one, without reducing the actual presence of services for citizens.
Mail delivery in these areas, as well as service to citizens who receive home services from ELTA postmen continues uninterrupted, with the same pace and frequency of visits that were in effect until today, without any change.
Furthermore, it is explicitly clarified regarding ELTA’s permanent staff that no job is lost.
The first 11 stores being transformed
- Aliveri: ELTA services in Aliveri are transferred from 20.02 to a nearby ELTA partner point. At 490 meters operates, with extended hours, the ELTA Courier postal agency of local partner, Mr. Konstantinos Pappas. The agency provides all window services, such as indicatively pension payment from window, work stamp, bill payment, money transfer and all postal services, except Eurobank banking transactions. For these specific transactions, the area is served by two bank branches that have ATMs. At the same time, an alternative service point also operates to cover citizens’ needs.
- Lechaina Ilias The ELTA store in Lechaina will transfer its activity from 20.02 to the postal agency of the area. At 250 meters operates, with extended hours, the postal agency of local partner, Mr. Kostas Doumas. The agency provides all window services, such as indicatively pension payment from window, work stamp, bill payment, money transfer and all postal services, except Eurobank banking transactions. For these specific transactions, the area is served by two bank branches that have ATMs. At the same time, an alternative service point also operates to cover citizens’ needs.
- Alexandria Imathias: The ELTA store in Alexandria Imathias will transfer its activity from 20.02 to the postal agency of the area. At 600 meters operates, with extended hours, the postal agency of local partner, Ms. Georgia Bentila. The agency provides all window services, such as indicatively pension payment from window, work stamp, bill payment, money transfer and all postal services, except Eurobank banking transactions. For these specific transactions, the area is served by two bank branches that have ATMs. At the same time, an alternative service point also operates to cover citizens’ needs.
- Archanes Heraklion: The ELTA store in Archanes from 20.02 will transfer its activity to the postal agency of the area. At 200 meters operates, with extended hours, the postal agency of local partner, Mr. Dimitrios Vogiatzis. The agency provides all window services, such as indicatively pension payment from window, work stamp, bill payment, money transfer and all postal services, except Eurobank banking transactions. For these specific transactions, the area is served by bank branches and ATMs. At the same time, an alternative service point also operates to cover citizens’ needs.
- Paramythia Thesprotias: The ELTA store in Paramythia from 20.02 will transfer its activity to the postal agency of the area. At 340 meters operates, with extended hours, the ELTA Courier agency of local partner, Mr. Vasileios Thomas. The agency provides all window services, such as indicatively pension payment from window, work stamp, bill payment, money transfer and all postal services, except Eurobank banking transactions. For these specific transactions, the area is served by a bank branch that has an ATM. At the same time, an alternative service point also operates to cover citizens’ needs.
- Koufalia Thessaloniki. The ELTA store in Koufalia from 20.02 will transfer its activity to the postal agency of the area. At 650 meters operates, with extended hours, the ELTA Courier postal agency of local partner, with the name BALTZOGIOU I. – BOURBOULOS D. I.K.E.. The agency provides all window services, such as, indicatively, pension payment from window, work stamp, bill payment, money transfer and all postal services, except Eurobank banking transactions. For these specific transactions, the area is served by a bank branch that has an ATM. At the same time, an alternative service point also operates to cover citizens’ needs.
- Sofades Karditsa: The ELTA store in Sofades from 20.02 will transfer its activity to the postal agency of the area. At 650 meters operates, with extended hours, the postal agency of local partner, Ms. Aristea Malami. The agency provides all window services, such as indicatively pension payment from window, work stamp, bill payment, money transfer and all postal services, except Eurobank banking transactions. For these specific transactions, the area is served by a bank branch that has an ATM. At the same time, an alternative service point also operates to cover citizens’ needs.
- Neapoli Lakonias. The ELTA store in Neapoli from 20.02 will transfer its activity to the postal agency of the area. At 250 meters operates, with extended hours, the ELTA Courier postal agency of local partner, Mr. Antonios Billinis. The agency provides all window services, such as indicatively pension payment from window, work stamp, bill payment, money transfer and all postal services, except Eurobank banking transactions. For these specific transactions, the area is served by a bank branch that has an ATM. At the same time, an alternative service point also operates to cover citizens’ needs.
- Skala Lakonias. The ELTA store in Skala from 20.02 will transfer its activity to the postal agency of the area. At 700 meters operates, with extended hours, the ELTA Courier postal agency of local partner, Mr. Efstathios Sergiadis. The agency provides all window services, such as indicatively pension payment from window, work stamp, bill payment, money transfer and all postal services, except Eurobank banking transactions. For these specific transactions, the area is served by two bank branches that have ATMs. At the same time, an alternative service point also operates to cover citizens’ needs.
- Almyros Magnesia. The ELTA store in Almyros from 20.02 will transfer its activity to the postal agency of the area. At 540 meters operates, with extended hours, the ELTA Courier postal agency of local partner with the name ERMISS SINGLE PERSON LTD. The agency provides all window services, such as indicatively pension payment from window, work stamp, bill payment, money transfer and all postal services, except Eurobank banking transactions. For these specific transactions, the area is served by two bank branches that have ATMs. At the same time, an alternative service point also operates to cover citizens’ needs.
- Stylida Fthiotida. The ELTA store in Stylida from 20.02 will transfer its activity to the postal agency of the area. At 670 meters operates, with extended hours, the ELTA Courier postal agency of local partner, Mr. Efthymios Kaparas. The agency provides all window services, such as indicatively pension payment from window, work stamp, bill payment, money transfer and all postal services, except Eurobank banking transactions. For these specific transactions, the area is served by two bank branches that have ATMs. At the same time, an alternative service point also operates to cover citizens’ needs.
Store map
Based on the new plan, ELTA continues to maintain the largest service network with almost 1,000 points throughout the country (precisely 985), ensuring universal access for citizens.
Before:
After:
The successful shop-in-shop model expands
The “shop-in-shop” model is an integral part of the transformation plan philosophy and concerns providing postal services within neighborhood stores that already operate, such as supermarkets, bookstores, newsstands, daily service stores. The shop in a shop already operates at more than 500 points throughout the country, in urban, semi-urban and remote areas and has proven in practice that they can function absolutely effectively with visible ELTA signage.
With all basic postal and financial services and with extended service hours for citizens.
The transformation plan will ensure the sustainability of this historic organization and the state’s presence in every corner of the country.
