Andy Close
The Sheffield branch of Northwest Bank is going to be closing its doors this spring.
The Sheffield office will permanently close on Wednesday, April 13 at 2 p.m., per Melanie Clabaugh, Northwest Communications Manager.
“Over the past ten years, significant enhancements in technology have dramatically changed customer preferences, behavior, and expectations,” Clabaugh said. “These shifts span not just our own financial services industry, but almost every other facet of our lives as we all seek the ability to research, purchase, connect and transact with the tap of a button.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwest pivoted to a more digital presence. In turn, that created less need at some of its physical branches.
“In 2020, our desire for convenience through technology became a need when the outbreak of COVID-19 forced the closure of bank retail branches around the world, including our own,” Clabaugh said. “During this time, customer reliance on digital channels like online and mobile banking and our network of ATMs increased—which also increased the level of comfort our customers have in using and expecting more from these channels.
“To keep up with this ever-evolving trend and to provide our customers with greater access, convenience, control, and flexibility, Northwest invested heavily in alternative channels like online and mobile banking. In 2021, we released enhancements to our digital experience, including improvements in account opening, person-to-person digital payments, budgeting tools, account alerts and card controls.”
Because of that increased digital presence and its convenience, foot traffic has decreased in many locations.
“This movement led us to evaluate our retail network,” Clabaugh said.
Branch employees will have the opportunity to move to other positions or receive a compensation package.
“We are making every effort to reassign our employees within our retail network and corporate departments, and will continue to work closely with management to identify open positions for placement,” Clabaugh said. “Employees who are not retained will be offered a severance package for their years of dedicated service.”
