Services

Consult

• Long-Range Planning
• Site Selection

Design

• Retail Store Design

Retail

• Merchandising
• Digital Signage

Build

• Construction Management

Culture

• Ready, Set, Open

Situation

United Teletech Financial FCU was originally chartered in 1967 to serve the financial needs of Bell Labs employees and later Lucent AT&T. As these companies downsized, the credit union became a community charter to continue to move forward and be profitable. United Teletech realized they needed a new branch to stay competitive and stand out in the marketplace. The credit union wanted to open a branch that made a bold statement and spoke to their commitment to the community and service to their members.

Solution

They began by obtaining NewGround's assistance in developing a long-range plan to build their overall branch network. NewGround helped the Credit Union secure storefront property in Holmdel, NJ. A branch prototype was then created for this site. The 3,300 square foot space was converted into a retail environment designed for the sophisticated user. The concept behind the design of the branch was to create stops and destinations along the member's path of travel, building upon United Teletech's brand promise and products and service offerings. When a member enters the fi nancial center, an employee from the greeter station welcomes the individual into the space and directs them to the right service area, whether that's the teller station, waiting area and coffee bar, Internet Station or a more private area to meet with a Financial Service Representative. This contemporary setting is a multipurpose space with the ability to turn into an after hours meeting site for community events. United Teletech also engaged in NewGround's Ready, Set, Open training program to ensure staff were comfortable working and interacting with customers in this new environment.

SCOPE:
New Storefront Branch

SQUARE FOOTAGE:
3,300 square feet

COMPLETION:
June, 2007

Results

Construction of the storefront branch was completed in eight weeks and a grand opening was held in June 2007. In the first three months of opening, United Teletech garnered over 100 new members, and $3 million in deposits. The credit union also earned $6 million in consumer loans.