Umpqua Bank to Expand its 'Store' Concept in Portland

Expanding its concept of banking "stores," Umpqua Bank plans to open five new locations in the Portland, Ore. metropolitan area within the next year.

With the expansion, Umpqua will grow to 25 stores in the Portland area, as well as seven mini-stores in local retirement centers.

"We already have a strong presence and loyal customers in the greater Portland area, and have been looking for the next great communities that will embrace our unconventional banking experience," said Ray Davis, president and CEO of Umpqua Bank. "If you’ve ever been inside one of our stores, you know that our delivery is a dramatic shift away from traditional bank branches. We become part of a neighborhood much the way a coffee shop would, combining friendly associates who know you by name with smart design and a customer experience that reflects the character of the community."

Blending retail concepts with banking, the Umpqua stores feature such elements as a "Discover Wall" to digitally showcase neighborhood events, financial tools and product information, an electronic community bulletin board, a "Computer Cafe" that allows visitors to access the Internet and free coffee and tea. Umpqua stores also have a hotline phone that allows customers to call the bank's president directly.