UPS customers in Northeast Pennsylvania are reeling after the delivery giant confirmed it will be shutting down three popular UPS Store locations, with whispers of up to 75 more potentially on the chopping block.
It’s a blow that’s landed hard on small business owners and longtime patrons who have come to rely on these full-service stores for everything from shipping and printing to vital mailbox services.
The stores in Dallas, Dickson City, and Honesdale will be closing in just a matter of days. A staff member at the Dallas location confirmed the shutdown is happening on June 23, but workers at the other two stores didn’t give an exact date.
While the reasons may seem procedural, longtime franchise owner Dave McQueen, 84, opted not to renew his franchise agreements. UPS spokesperson Mia Gonzales said the decision was tied to expiring contracts, but many suspect there’s more to the story, including high-pressure tactics by the corporation to enforce costly upgrades.
Let’s break it down:
Store Closure Summary Table
| Store Location | Closure Date | Why It’s Closing | Franchisee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, PA | June 23, 2025 | Franchise agreement expired, no renewal | Dave McQueen |
| Dickson City, PA | Not shared | Same as above | Dave McQueen |
| Honesdale, PA | Not shared | Same as above | Dave McQueen |
What’s Really Going On?
According to Rob Finlay, the landlord of the Dallas location, McQueen had been urged to sign a 10-year renewal that came with significant renovation demands. Understandably, at his age, he wasn’t keen on such a major commitment. In fact, Finlay revealed that McQueen had been actively looking for a buyer for some time – but a recent deal fell through due to financing issues.
“He’s been operating on a month-to-month lease,” Finlay shared on Facebook. “The Dallas store has been a great tenant since 1994. The staff is top-notch, and Dave has been nothing but a gentleman.”
Despite corporate claims that these closures are isolated, many see them as part of a larger trend. Back in April, UPS announced it would be eliminating 20,000 jobs and closing over 70 facilities throughout 2025. The company blamed rising tariffs and economic conditions for the sweeping cuts.
Quick Highlights
- Three UPS stores in PA to shut: Dallas, Dickson City, Honesdale
- Franchise owner declined 10-year renewal with costly upgrades
- UPS plans to cut 20,000 jobs and shut 70+ more locations in 2025
- Local residents and small businesses express sadness and frustration
- Other UPS Stores in the region remain open – for now
Emotional Local Response
Local residents haven’t taken the news lightly. The Facebook comments alone paint a picture of just how essential these stores were to their communities.
“I loved the Dickson UPS when I had my small shop – they were amazing,” one user wrote. Another added, “Wow, so sad to see them go.”
The shutdown of these full-service locations is particularly hard-hitting because they offer so much more than just a drop-off counter. Think mailboxes, printing, returns, packaging, and that human support you don’t get from a self-serve locker.
Industry-Wide Trouble?
What’s happening with UPS isn’t happening in isolation. According to analysts, as many as 45,000 brick-and-mortar stores could vanish across the U.S. in the next five years. And it’s not just mom-and-pop stores. Major chains like Foot Locker have already announced plans to shutter 400 locations by 2026, and names like Bed Bath & Beyond and Tuesday Morning have transitioned completely online or folded.
Experts say clothing, electronics, book, and furniture retailers are among the most vulnerable. Still, companies like Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, and Target are predicted to survive and even thrive, thanks to their scale and e-commerce integration.
So while UPS claims these Pennsylvania store closures are tied solely to a franchise expiration, the bigger picture suggests a storm is brewing for retail – and no one’s completely safe.
As for the communities in Northeast Pennsylvania, they’re left holding onto hope that a last-minute buyer will swoop in and keep the stores alive. But until then, folks are scrambling for alternatives – and wondering if this is just the beginning.
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