Mail Boxes Etc, The UPS Store Reach 6,000 Centers

SAN DIEGO (Blue MauMau) - The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. chains announced on Tuesday that the two brands together have expanded to 6,000 locations worldwide. The first Mail Boxes Etc. store was opened in 1980 in southern California.

"The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. network is 25 percent larger today than it was five years ago and we remain committed to continuing the growth and development of our brands around the world," said Stuart Mathis, president of MBE, franchisor of The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. brands. Many of the Mail Boxes Etc. locations were rebranded as The UPS Store when the firm was bought out by UPS in 2001. A number of Mail Boxes Etc. stores allege that they were strong-armed and defrauded to convert to the new UPS brand. Lawsuits continue to weave their way through the legal system. Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. and The UPS Store are all franchised. Outside the United States, locations are owned and operated by master licensees, firms authorized to act as a franchisor in a given country or territory.

Mathis added, "I believe our global growth is a testament to the strength and adaptability of our franchising concept: a one-stop business services center."