December 15, 2009

The following is a showcase of breakthrough RETAIL BRANCHES from the team at Brand Partners (now out of business).

M&T BANK – BRANDED ATM SURROUND  (BALTIMORE)
This multi-dimensional display incorporates a fresh, new brand identity into the branch. Sheets of acrylic in the brand’s colors layer over a white acrylic backlit shell. Two alcoves house a pair of ATMs. Notice how the use of metal and plastic finishes combine to create a more modern, high-tech impression.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BANK – BRAND DISPLAY (MONTANA)
You don’t need a lot of fancy materials or complicated hardware to make a dramatic display. Sometimes all it takes is scale. The copy on the display says, “Great things happen when you dream big.” Various “wishes” float in the center: “4×4 Extended Cab Pick-Up,” “Starting Your Own Business,” College Education,” “Mountain Lodge Getaway.”

NATIONAL CITY – ENTRY ZONE (MILWAUKEE)
Giant window clings surround the ground floor level of this National City entrance.

NATIONAL CITY – WINDOW DISPLAY (CHICAGO)
This teaser display says, “On February 9, you can say ‘hello’ to a new way of banking.” Smart marketers make use of their retail window displays.

NATIONAL CITY – WINDOW DISPLAY (CLEVELAND)
Some operations people express concern about blocking windows with clings. “What if we’re robbed?” Surely, without window displays, you may be able to see what direction a robber flees. But you aren’t gaining much for the marketing sacrifice. Here, National City is promoting holiday gift cards, which also helps introduce a seasonal festive element to the branch.

UNIVERSITY CREDIT UNION – TRANSACTION ZONE (MAINE)
Floor and ceiling cues help define spaces. Hard surfaces are used in high-traffic areas, while carpeting is used in “dwell zones,” such as the lounge shown here. An ovular suspended ceiling element hovering over the checkwrite suggests the start of the queue. High ceilings create a more open and inviting feeling. Notice how the soffit behind the teller area is used for MERCHANDISING (dimensional lettering).

INTEGRA BANK – STOREFRONT (KENTUCKY)
If you have a lot of windows, you need to give a lot of consideration to how your branch looks from the outside. Does it look clean, simple, professional, inviting? Or does it look dated, conservative, cluttered, boring? The combination of lighting and a consistent application of the brand’s signature blue color creates a clean retail “storefront.”

BOFA – BRAND DISPLAY (NEW YORK)
Layers of suspended acrylic not only communicate messages about the BofA brand, the overall display looks like corporate art. It’s almost a sculpture.

SOVEREIGN BANK – BRANDED MERCHANDISING (BOSTON)
A combination of wood paneling, warm fixtures and a consistent application of the Sovereign color create a comfortable, moderately upscale environment.

SECURITY NATIONAL BANK – BRANCH INTERIOR (SIOUX FALLS)
Circular architectural elements help soften the stiff experience most consumers expect from financial institutions. This branch has a smooth, flowing floor plan that balances the need for both public and private spaces.

WEBSTER BANK – BRAND DISPLAY (CONNECTICUT)
This multi-part display tells Webster’s brand story and presents the bank’s core values. Brushed aluminum, vinyl lettering, dimensional lettering and an acrylic disc.

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Previous related stories from The Financial Brand:

• No traditional tellers in this new branch
• The Future of Branches
• Omaha bank rolls out new branch concept
• Interactive financial ads you’ll get a kick out of (literally)

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