'Oldest Profession' Suffers During Recession

July 14, 2009

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July 14, 2009

Prostitution is legal in Germany, but brothels are having a tough time because of the recession. One establishment in Berlin has come up with a marketing plan that seems to fit the spirit of the times. You can help the environment by doing business there — it offers a 5 percent discount to customers who arrive by bike or public transportation.

RENEE MONTAGNE, host:

And today's last word in business is about the world's oldest profession.

STEVE INSKEEP, host:

That profession is legal in Germany, but brothels are having a tough time because the recession.

MONTAGNE: One establishment in Berlin has come up with a marketing plan that seems to fit the spirit of the times: You can help the environment by doing business there. Think of it as enlightened self interest.

INSKEEP: Yes, the Maison d'Envie is offering a 5 percent discount to customers who arrive by bike or by public transportation. And we haven't even started talking about the free bus transfer and the savings on gas.

MONTAGNE: The brothel's owner says three to five new customers a day have taken advantage of the discount.

That's the business news on MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.

INSKEEP: And I'm Steve Inskeep.

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