BankWest Willetton customers will get a surprise next week when the new-look retail store is unveiled as part of the bank's expansion plans in Western Australia.
The new Willetton BankWest store breaks the traditional banking mould, ditching unfriendly teller barriers, frustrating customer queues and bland design in favour of comfortable and inviting open-plan spaces.
Customers can help themselves to a cup of freshly brewed coffee, browse books and other merchandise, surf the internet, listen to music, relax in lounge-style seating and keep the kids entertained with toys and DVDs - in addition to doing their banking.
BankWest opened the first of its new style stores earlier this year in Brighton. The new stores aim to change the perception of how banking is done allowing customers to have a coffee, browse books and surf the internet in a relaxed environment.
BankWest Willetton Manager Kelly Phillips said the new BankWest stores were a taste of the future of banking as customers demanded more from banks.
"Customers don't want long queues and unfriendly teller barriers when doing their banking," she said. "Now, customers will be able to have a free cup of tea or coffee and discuss their banking needs in a relaxed environment - it's all about giving more to the customer."
"There will also be personal financial advisors in store to help with investment, superannuation and insurance."
BankWest announced in June last year it would commence a major branch expansion in Western Australia to bring the number of full service BankWest branches to 100 and the total number of retail branches and neighbourhood banks to about 130.
The Willetton store is located at Shop 11, Southlands Shopping Centre, Cnr Burrendah Blvd & Pine Tree Gully Road and is open for extended trade on Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
