At the beginning of July, the Saanen Bank in Lauenen was reopened. “While others are closing, we are renovating our branch. The former would have been cheaper,” bank director Jürg von Allmen humorously welcomed the guests.

Tourism director Flurin Riedi, branch manager Ariane Jungi, Heidi Reichen, who was responsible for the renovation, and bank director Jürg von Allmen ceremoniously cut the ribbon.

During the subsequent aperitif, which was provided by Hotel Wildhorn, von Allmen explained the changes: In addition to a generous room layout and a new design that corresponds to the blue and white colour scheme of the Saanen Bank, the region is now pleased to have a modern ATM that allows deposits and withdrawals around the clock.

Importance was also attached to visually highlighting the cooperation with Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus (GST). The GST and bank counters in the same room should harmonise in colour. It was a challenge to design two separate companies in a similar way, von Allmen explains.

“We have benefited from the region for many years and want to give something back,” is the bank director’s reason for the renovation. After Lauenen, the other branches are to be renovated step by step. The renovation of the Gsteig branch is planned for autumn 2021.

BASED ON AVS/SOPHIA GRASSER