Nationwide

About this location

A few stories people tell about this place

1. One morning, as customers were settling in for their daily routine, an unfamiliar voice crackled over Nationwide’s intercom: ‘Attention, everyone—your bank is now offering free coffee with every transaction.’ A regular leaned over and whispered, ‘I thought they already gave us unlimited coffee!’ A delivery driver, mid-coffee, suddenly exclaimed: ‘Wait a minute… I’ve never seen these cups before!’ Just then, another voice came on: ‘And don’t forget, our new limited-time offer ends when you finish your drink.’ The regulars laughed, realizing it was just another one of Nationwide’s quirky promotions.

2. One day, while a little girl waited patiently with her piggybank, the automated voice announced: ‘Your account balance is now exactly three squirrels and two acorns.’ Surprised but not deterred, she asked her mom who explained that Nationwide’s computers sometimes had quirks. Soon enough, another soothing robotic voice declared: 'Your balance is now five squirrels and one acorn.' The little girl smiled, knowing her money was safe—even if it took some squirrel math to get there.

3. One afternoon, while a young woman counted her coins, the automated voice announced, ‘Your account balance is now exactly pi dollars.’ She blinked several times, then asked the ATM again. This time it replied, 'Your account balance is now exactly e dollars.' She smiled and walked away whistling, knowing that somewhere in Nationwide’s computer servers, an algorithm was having a nervous breakdown. That evening, as she cashed another check from her neighbor, she overheard him muttering, 'I wonder if they’ll ever fix those irrational numbers...'

4. In the early hours of every Tuesday morning, just as employees were arriving, Nationwide Bank’s PA system would crackle to life. A deep, slightly distorted voice would announce, 'Ladies and gentlemen, your friendly neighborhood unicorn is on duty today.' Then, in a sing-songy tone, it’d add, ‘He’s here to help you with all your banking needs!’ Before anyone could react, there’d be a small puff of sparkly white dust and a tiny, rainbow-colored hoofprint on the nearest desk. Employees would laugh it off until the next week when it happened again—until one day, a regular brought in cookies for the whole team, joking that maybe the unicorn deserved a treat too.