Umpqua Bank, a community bank that prides itself on "being different," has done it again. Years ago, it made waves by turning its bank branches in southern Oregon into folksy places where locals came to enjoy coffee and conversation. Now, fresh off of a merger with Centennial Bank, it is moving up-market with the help of Ziba Design, setting its sights on becoming the Nordstrom of banking.
Its newest store, opened today (at 1139 N.W. Lovejoy St.) in the heart of Portland's hip Pearl District features, "business books recommended by Powell's Books, Visa Gift Cards and a complimentary Umpqua chocolate presented on a tray with each transaction. The design of the 3,100-square-foot store include a concierge-style customer service desk reminiscent of a luxury hotel, bistro-style seating areas and shopping modules for displaying the bank's products and services."
