The good old mattress.
Granted, we are a small community but still, the last few decades it has warranted having a branch of a national bank in the village and to this money was brought, deposited, withdrawn or invested. The village made it money, because we all know that banks aren't very charitable. They should be grateful that the state is...remember the financial crisis of 2007!
So, a lot of our villagers ( and surrounding catchment area for this bank ) are older and even old. So be it, but then again these are the customers who throughout their life have used the bank and all its offerings. Loyal customers one might say.
Well, the letter got dropped in the post today telling us that the branch is closing and that the nearest branch from now on is in Eberau, at least 10 km away. City folks might wonder why that should be such a big deal, but bear in mind that 10 km in a rural climes is a huge distance especially when one doesn't have a car or rather, doesn't drive.
Of the top of my head I can think of two widows who haven't got any transport and who now are in a real pickle. And they aren't the only ones. Nice one, dear Bank. Talk about caring for your customers. The argument that most business is now conducted online is a bit mute with the older folks. Smartphones and computers...you might as well ask them to design a space craft. They just can't do it.
Granted, the village is considering putting on some local bank-bus-service or neighbours will help out but on a permanent basis it is difficult.
So, those odd times when they do get a ride to the bank I can imagine that a huge lot of money will be withdrawn. Cash on hand for months at a time. For groceries, for luxuries for little extras. Where to stash this cash but under one's mattress. The age old method of keeping one's money safe. Sleeping on it so that no burglar can get his grubby hands on it.
Profitability is all well and good but how good is it really if it entails hurting those who were there from the beginning...
Biggi
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