The information about the sudden decision of the central administration of the National Bank to close the branch in Georgiou Square is causing concern and intense reactions in the heart of the commercial world of the historical center of Patras, as well as in thousands of traders.
The branch in the emblematic neoclassical building, has been established in the consciousness of the citizens of Patrina and not only, as it may be small in size, but it served, among others, thousands of citizens, vulnerable categories of fellow citizens (the elderly, people with special needs, etc.) , who had easy access, due to its location in Georgiou Square which is the most central point of the city.
The traders who contacted “Peloponnisos” to express their protests, as they were informed about the plans of the management of “Ethniki”, are happy with the choice of the bank’s directors, as they consider that the incomprehensible decision was taken in the heat of the moment and without taking into account the profile and particularities of the store, which is located in the commercial heart of the city.
The closing of “Ethniki” leaves – apart from the others if this is of interest to the bank – a brilliant field of glory for its competitors, the banking space, as two branches of other banks operate within a few tens of meters, with all that this entails for large but and smaller customers.
It should be noted that the new blow to traders comes in addition to the lockout that entered other branches of the National Bank in key areas of Patras such as Agia Triada, Omonia Square, Rio, etc.
According to journalistic information fellow citizens traders are collecting signatures in order to protest to the Bank’s administration.
It should be noted that the financial crisis of 2010 and the wave of voluntary exits that followed, wiped thousands of bank branches off the map, while the rapid expansion of digital banking contributed to the further shrinking of branch branches.
The aim of the banks is to direct customers – individuals and businesses – to the digital service channels of e-banking and mobile banking, however, as “P” is informed by journalistic sources, this is not the reason why the most central store of “Ethniki” is closing in Patras, but the transformation of the building into a Private Banking office for VIP clients, in the context of the financing of investments with resources of the Recovery Fund, in cutting-edge sectors such as Tourism and Energy, Manufacturing and Trade.
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