Halifax has announced that its Union Street branch will be one of 53 outlets to close in the New Year following a 45% drop in footfall.
In a statement, a Halifax spokeswoman: “As many customers now choose to bank online or through their mobile app, visits to our Aberdeen branch have fallen over recent years."
However, in better news, neighbouring Specsavers has committed its future to Union Street for 35 years and beyond after investing £300,000 transforming its store.
Changing habits
Halifax has selected the city’s Union Street branch for closure following a reduction in walk-ins and the outlet, which is the only one of its kind in the Granite City, will close on January 11.
In a report released alongside the announcement, the bank said visits to the branch have fallen by 45% over the past five years.
It also claims that just 66 customers have used the branch regularly over the past 12 months.
The announcement comes just three months after Lloyds Banking Group, operators of the firm, confirmed plans to carry out another round of bank closures.
A total of 53 Bank of Scotland, Halifax and Lloyds Bank branches are facing the axe in 2024.
Specsavers boost
Meanwhile, Specsavers, which has the unit next to Halifax, has committed its future to the unit for 35 years and beyond after investing £300,000.
The optician told the P&J it spent 10 weeks completing the relaunch to help “future-proof” the store.
There was a warning in November last year that Specsavers could be forced to leave Union Street for the Bon Accord Centre after struggling to find a suitable second site close by.
Bosses visited three sites in close proximity, the for-sale Lush shop, the empty Ecco store next door and the old Vodafone unit across the road from them, and were said to be “shocked” by their condition.
Instead they made the decision to stay at 56-58 Union Street and improve facilities for customers.
Adam Fairley, store retail director, said: “Since Specsavers first opened on Union Street 35 years ago we have been constantly working to improve what we can offer to customers.
“We’ve made structural improvements and enhanced diagnostic facilities in response to local demand, and we’ve been heartened by the positive feedback from our customers.
“This strategic investment allows us to extend our outreach in the area, reinforcing our commitment to serving the community for the next 35 years and beyond.”