The post in Graefelfing could reportedly close at the end of the year. When asked by Merkur, the operator, Postbank, did not want to deny this. What is certain is that postal services must also be offered locally afterwards. The question is in what form and to what extent.
Graefelfing - After there had been no post in the Lochham district for years, the branch at Bahnhofstrasse 9, the "Palais Post", is the only postal service provider on site. Even if it doesn't look like it, it is a Postbank branch that also offers postal services. Apparently for economic reasons - there is talk of a rent increase - the branch could close at the end of 2020.
When asked by Merkur, Postbank spokesman Hartmut Schlegel said that like all banks, Postbank is also observing that the market and customer behavior are changing in times of digitalization. "In addition, we continuously check our branch network with regard to its cost-effectiveness and optimization options," said Hartmut Schlegel. “The Postbank location in Graefelfing is also currently being considered. We work closely with our cooperation partner Deutsche Post to explore different options to find a viable solution for everyone involved. If there is a decision in the end result to change the branch format or to give up the location, our cooperation partner Deutsche Post will ensure the postal supply of people in the immediate vicinity of the branch mentioned above. "
Even after closing further postal services
Even if this is anything but a denial, a post spokesman at least confirms the latter promise. Klaus-Dieter Nawrath said to Mercury: "If it is true that the Postbank branch closes, we will definitely continue to offer postal services in Graefelfing." Swiss Post is legally obliged to do so by the Universal Service Ordinance.
However, the new offer could be accommodated as a so-called partner branch in an existing retail store, for example for stationery. In this case, two partner branches would even be conceivable - one in Graefelfing, one in Lochham.
The postal offer in the Würmtal is getting smaller.