Chocolate and iPads at Your Branch
Umpqua Bank, headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, just opened its
flagship store in San Francisco. Among the amenities are coffee and
chocolate tastings, iPads and computers for customer use, and
mobile concierge services. This reflects Umpqua's new approach
to branches and recognition of the need to utilize technology
effectively. Whether others do it Umpqua's way or differently,
the key to success is the recognition that bank branches and
delivery systems will continue to change.
The Pace of Change is Astounding
As we all know, change is inevitable. However, what's
startling to me is the rapid pace of change we are experiencing.
Just the other day, I read a story about the unveiling of
smartwatches, watch-like devices that will allow you to take
pictures, surf the internet, etc., similar to a modern-day Star
Trek scenario. They will be available this fall.
