A Final Farewell: The Postman Seattle to Close August 31st

Keanna Picket in November 22, 2023 at the re-opening on The Postman following the murder of her husband and co-founder D’Vonne Pickett in 2022. (Photo: Jordan Somers)

By Omari Salisbury

KeAnna Rose Pickett, owner of The Postman in Seattle's Central District, has announced today that she will be closing the business for good on August 31, 2025. "I'm feeling lighter because it's been stressful," she said in an interview earlier today, explaining the immense pressure of being a single parent, running a business, and working a second job after her husband's murder. The decision marks the end of a long and emotional journey for Pickett, who had been running the store they founded together, and is now ready for a new chapter.

A Dream Interrupted by Tragedy

The Postman was a community hub named in honor of her late husband, D'Vonne Pickett Jr.'s great-grandfather, who was a mail carrier in the neighborhood for 37 years. D'Vonne, a beloved community activist, was tragically murdered on October 19, 2022, while locking up the business. KeAnna continued to run the store in his memory, even opening a second location before closing it. However, the business has faced immense hardship since D'Vonne's death, including two robberies, the most recent of which occurred just two weeks ago. The emotional toll has been significant. "I feel like I'm trying to keep it up for legacy, but I really want to do something else," KeAnna explained, adding that the store was "a highlight of our relationship that we did it together, and I don't want to do it alone".

The Final Chapter and a New Beginning

The recent robbery has had a profound impact, exacerbating the stress KeAnna has been under. "I haven't been open because it's, you know, just sets off the PTSD and, like, I don't feel comfortable being here and like, because they scared off my staff. They quit". With the closure imminent, KeAnna is urging her customers, particularly box holders, to make alternative arrangements for their mail. She advises them to update their addresses to a new store or obtain a private mailbox at the post office or a UPS store. KeAnna expressed hope that her customers would be understanding and wished them well.

Link to the announcement Pickett made this afternoon on Instagram.