News
Capitec Bank, South Africa’s fastest growing retail bank, today revealed its new branch concept that was developed in partnership with international retail designer, Allen International, at Morning Glen Mall, Johannesburg. The launch also marks the bank’s opening of its 500th branch.
CEO, Riaan Stassen, says of the new concept, “We live in the 21st century and technology should make access to banking easier for clients. The banking experience needs to change and banks must take ownership of helping clients manage their financial lives better. We want to give clients options that empower them to make the best choices.
“We believe personal interaction and support is very important to consumers. At a time when banks are moving more and more online, making their services faceless and impersonal, our view is that consumers prefer the opposite. This is why we are structuring our brick-and-mortar environment to focus on relationship building and client support, while our virtual channels will continue to be used primarily to provide easy, convenient access to transacting and information.” he added.
The other 499 existing branches nationwide will be upgraded in due course over the next few years.
Watch video here
allen international continue their ongoing retail design programme with Virgin Money – the latest assignment being to wrap one of Northern Rock’s premium branches in Newcastle for the grand launch by Sir Richard Branson. The temporary signs resemble the new exterior treatments which are due for implementation later this year.
(links will open in new window)
Chartered Banker’s feature on Virgin Money’s new lounge experience and how allen international helped them do things differently on the high street
This is Virgin Money’s lounge vision, a concept being brought to life in four UK locations: Edinburgh, Manchester, Norwich and London.
Virgin Money has always had an online and telephone direct presence, these lounges are the first physical presence of the brand. They are designed to provide a comfortable space for customers to have coffee, relax, check emails, charge mobile phones, possibly have a meeting; ahead of the branch roll out.
Virgin Money believe that, in this financial crisis, the brand can restore some trust, deliver something different and attract customers. The lounges are part of that first step.
Some people are a little disenchanted with their usual bank so Virgin Money wants to move back to a more “traditional branch model” with service at the heart of the branch, where customers can linger, relax and enjoy the experience.
| Next page | Full News Blog |
