I remember a time when the banks lent money, safeguarded family valuables, cashed cheques and were there to provide some holiday spending money for that once-a-year getaway. I also remember when supermarkets sold only groceries and household items and the "insurance man" called personally to collect premiums.
These days our high street regulars all seem to be fighting for the same business regardless of what they were originally incorporated to do. Stand at the check-out of any supermarket and you can pick up a leaflet detailing their pet insurance, holiday insurance, life assurance, savings, loans and mobile phone services. Likewise the banks seem far keener to flog a life policy than consider your business plan.
Jacks of all trades
Adding customer value and providing a one-stop shop experience is all very commendable I'm sure. However it does sometimes seem as if the eyes have been taken off the very balls that put these businesses where they were in the first place.
