'New Banking Concept' Coming to Gateway Shopping Center

Conestoga Bank is planning to open a new branch in Gateway Shopping Center on April 15, replacing the one in Chesterbrook Shopping Center—but it's not just a matter of relocation.

The new branch will represent a new concept in banking, according to the company's chief marketing officer, Holly Wolf. That concept is called BankWerx, which melds new technology with an airy lobby featuring brick walls and couches.

View renderings of what the new BankWerx location will look like on the Bankwerx homepage. Judging from the site, the banks will also sell picture frames and flip-flops.

The new bank will also have extended hours, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, according to a press release that outlines the differences from a traditional bank:

The Bankwerx experience gives customers the choice of banking with their mobile phones, laptops, tablets, or in person with a personal teller or our branch hosts,” said [Conestoga Bank president Richard] Elko. 

Wolf said that the Personal Tellers—which look like ATMs but link patrons to a live teller via realtime video—can do everything a normal teller can do.

"Few folks really believe it, until they see it," Wolf said. "So, if I’m cashing a check for $57.13, I can ask for 5 $10 bills and she’ll do that for me… or $57 1 dollar bills and I’ll also get the exact change. An ATM can’t do that."

The human tellers connected via video link to the customer will be based in Feasterville, Bucks County, according to Wolf.