First Western Bank to Open Community Office Inside New Wal-Mart Supercenter

Strategic Insights -

Western Pennsylvania residents will have access to a comprehensive range of services at the new Wal-Mart Supercenter, including banking, shopping, and consumer loans, courtesy of First Western Bank's community office. The innovative concept aims to attract and retain customers by providing a 7-day-a-week banking facility within the retail store. First Western's office, located in the 200,000-square-foot store, will offer full banking services and longer hours, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Key Takeaways:

  • First Western Bank will open its first community office inside a retail store at the new Wal-Mart Supercenter in New Castle, Pa.
  • The office will be the banking company's first 7-day-a-week banking facility in the New Castle area.
  • The Wal-Mart Supercenter, with over 200,000 square feet, will provide a prime location for the First Western Bank office, with high volumes of shopper traffic and repeat visits.
  • Kathleen Lewis, senior vice president of community office management, believes the partnership will make customers for life, by allowing them to do their banking at convenient times.
  • The office will offer all services available at First Western's other full-service offices but with longer hours.
  • First Western's 42 community banking offices are located in seven Pennsylvania counties and two Ohio counties, employing over 600 people.
  • First Western Bancorp, Inc. is the parent of First Western Bank, N.A., a full-service bank, and several other financial institutions.

Statistics:

  • The Wal-Mart Supercenter in New Castle, Pa., will have a floor area of 200,000 square feet.
  • The store is expected to attract high volumes of shopper traffic and repeat visits.
  • First Western Bank has 42 community banking offices across seven Pennsylvania counties and two Ohio counties.
  • Over 600 people are employed across First Western's community banking offices.
  • First Western Bancorp, Inc. is the parent of multiple financial institutions, including First Western Bank, N.A., and First Western Trust Services Co.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, "Western Pennsylvania residents to benefit from unique banking arrangement" (Nov. 15)
  • Fortune magazine, "World's largest retailer" (listing Wal-Mart)
  • First Western Bancorp, Inc. (press release, Nov. 15)