PROJECT: ZUERCHER KANTONALBANK, WINTERTHUR

Innovation lies at the heart of this Swiss stalwart and its new flagship in Winterthur has the look and feel of an Apple outlet coupled with a revolutionary approach to bank retailing.

Whilst all across the globe banks are closing their doors to the public and opting for an almost entirely online presence – which has to be said does have certain benefits – in Switzerland we find one of their 4 largest financial institutions doing the complete opposite.

Zuercher Kantonalbank has launched what can only be described as ‘the store of the future’ with the sole intention of increasing its presence on the high street. The design is sleek and modern yet extremely inviting; it has an open plan layout. Nothing so radical or theatrical in its presentation as our previous store reviews, yet the gallery quality of the interior entices customers instore whilst its relaxed ambiance encourages them to dwell and spend time fuelling their aims and ambitions.

The cutting edge financier maintains a holistic approach engaging with its clients and supporting them on their journey through life; they aim to instil a sense of excitement for customers’ future prospects, which is where they win every time.

In 2020 a test and learn pilot branch was opened in a high footfall area at Stettback Station with the ultimate goal of understanding ‘the wants and needs’ of the millennial consumer in order to create a relevant brand proposition. As we have seen recently in mainstream retail, experience stores lead the way and banking is no different – the customer is still the same being driven by experience rather than sales. In financial terms this involved moving from a purely transactional space to a versatile experience for personal progress and financial wellbeing. This meant bringing together the attributes of physical, digital and human experience in the one place.

The result is a suave and sophisticated interior that is divided up into various areas with seating to accommodate group seminars, individual explorations, one to one meetings and an inhouse café. The entire showroom is finished in natural tones with a mixture of handcrafted white and natural wood furniture. Floor to ceiling windows allow daylight to flood into the store and large, globe pendant lights add a softer, homely feel. A warm, wood panelled ceiling and rich marble floor add depth to the environment.

The coffee bar resides in the window, near to the entrance. It offers a broad selection of coffee and cakes served by its very own barista. Stylish bar stools are located around the counter, where you can sit and wait, or mull over an idea. A long, counter is placed on the other side of the entrance also within the window and is laden with a plethora of information - customers are encouraged to browse the displays. Another large, interactive table with a clever touchscreen facility is positioned at the centre of the store. This is where clients come together with banking staff to explore the monetary possibilities available to them to realise their dreams and aspirations. At the edge of the main floorspace, small pod like units have been created to accommodate one to one meetings. Each elliptical pod is screened off using corrugated white panels and features a simple table and two chairs. In addition, there is a designated forum to host events on topical issues such as housing, finance, careers, as well as IT workshops and an entertaining programme targeted specifically at families and children.

Designers, Dalziel and Pow has worked with Zuercher Kantonalbank to create a true brand experience that delivers on every level and will differentiate this banker from its competition.

WE LOOK BEYOND CONVENTIONAL RETAIL, COMBINING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY WITH TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES. HAVING OVER 150 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, WE STRIVE TO PRODUCE INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS.