Push to buy USPS merch to help save the Post Office amid shutdown fears takes off on Twitter

Kerry Justich
·Health and Wellness Staff Writer
Updated ·4 min read
Social media users draw attention to USPS merch store in an effort to save the postal service. (Photo: Getty Images)
Social media users draw attention to USPS merch store in an effort to save the postal service. (Photo: Getty Images)

Amid changes made to the United States Postal Service by the newly-appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy that have started conversations about delayed service and its financial viability, people are getting creative about ways to support the USPS by putting their own money into the agency through purchases of stamps and merchandise.

With hashtags like #SaveUSPS and #DontDefundUSPS trending on Twitter, people across the country are trying to come up with solutions for the economic crisis that USPS is facing as many are turning to other package delivery services as a result of delays. On Monday, the House Oversight Committee invited DeJoy to a hearing to discuss slowed operations at the USPS, particularly focusing on “the need for on-time mail delivery during the ongoing pandemic and upcoming election.”

In the meantime, some have recently discovered that the agency has merchandise for sale, which many believe could be an effective way to take action in support of the USPS from home.

“THE USPS HAS A MERCH STORE,” one user tweeted on Thursday followed by a link to the USPS gift shop, which hosts USPS-themed apparel, puzzles, toys, books, jewelry and more. By Friday, March For Our Lives co-founder and activist David Hogg shared the store’s link with a call to action to make a purchase or encourage others to do so in an effort to help the USPS from being defunded.

Now people across the social media platform are sharing photos of the apparel and encouraging trendsetters to help bolster sales.

Some users have even begun to post screenshots of their order confirmation forms from the USPS store in a show of support for the postal service. Others made mention of rocking the USPS-branded apparel as a statement.

The USPS didn’t immediately respond to Yahoo Life’s request for comment. However, people on Twitter have pointed out that it is unlikely that buying merch alone will save the USPS. Instead, many continue to encourage people to purchase stamps, where all money is assured to go directly to the agency, and even to get in touch with state representatives to urge for action in support of the postal service.

Video: American Postal Workers Union on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy

Read more from Yahoo Life

Want daily lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Life’s newsletter.