Peek inside West Seattle’s Umpqua Bank before it opens today

Many people ask where they can get “I Heart West Seattle” items. Here’s a new answer: The first West Seattle branch of Portland-based Umpqua Bank (WSB sponsor), opening its doors north of Admiral Safeway at 9 am today. It’s also where you’ll find this tale out of early West Seattle history:

And though it’s a brand-new bank branch, it has a veteran manager who’s worked in West Seattle banking for seven years:

Kirk Mead is also a board member with the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Of course, not everything about the new Umpqua Bank branch is West Seattle-specific, but it certainly has features you don’t find in every bank branch – read on:

Behind the counter, you’ll find not tellers but “universal associates”:

When they present your receipt, it’s on a tray with a wrapped chocolate:

But they’re trying to stay low on paper – so instead of racks of brochures about bank products, you can browse them via this touchscreen on the wall (which gives you the opportunity to e-mail yourself copies of anything that interests you):

Near the California SW door (there’s also an entrance from the Safeway parking lot), quarterly displays will highlight local merchants. This month, it’s the Admiral District’s own homegrown toys/candy store, Atomic Boys (and you can buy the merchandise that’s on the counter at Umpqua if you can’t make it over to AB):

And there’s an Internet cafe. Really. Two chairs in front of widescreen monitors where we’re told you can not only do bank transactions if you want to, you’re also welcome to browse the Web and check your own e-mail. And use the printer between the spots. No time limit, they insist. You can even help yourself to a cup of coffee or tea over by the touchscreens on the opposite wall. That’s right next to the phone with options including press 6 for the bank president. He really does pick up if he’s at his desk, Kirk insists.

But go see for yourself. They’re open 9 am-6 pm weekdays starting today, 9 am-1 pm on Saturdays. P.S. The “I Heart West Seattle” buttons promote an ongoing contest, but you are welcome to one whether you enter or not. (More about the contest here.)

Debbie November 2, 2011 (8:25 am)

That looks awesome, and it’s not often I say that about a bank. I won’t be dumping my current bank for them, but I will certainly wander inside, even if just for a button!

biankat November 2, 2011 (8:38 am)

Impressive! Still staying with my credit union though ;)

J242 November 2, 2011 (9:30 am)

Awesome! Love the pic of Kirkdon too! That guy is a serious class-act. I will still always miss him when I go down to the Alaska USA in Westwood Village but I’m going to open a 2nd account here too!

Nora November 2, 2011 (12:35 pm)

I am about to leave CHASE bank. Because I hate it. For many reasons. However I am wondering what kinds of advanatges Umpqua could have over BECU. I am leaning towards BECU because I have other accounts there and I trust the institution. Chocolate, although a very charming idea, will not be a part of my decision. :)

chas redmond November 2, 2011 (12:42 pm)

Congratulations to Kirk and the best of luck in the new position for you and Umpqua.

Kirk Mead November 2, 2011 (6:31 pm)

@Debbie: Thank you so much! We’ll keep an eye out for you! 2620 California Ave SW…next to Safeway!

@Biankat: And THAT is what personal financial management is all about Biankat. Finding what works for you, the right fit. I’d love to talk it over with you (206)694-5462

@J242: Wow! That was a wonderful compliment, thank you so much! So we’ll see you tomorrow then? Did I mention we’re next to Safeway?!

@Nora: Fortunately chocolate is not the most compelling aspect of our Umpqua experience…the people, or rather the value we place in every relationship we build is. I’d encourage you to come see for yourself though :)

@Chas: Thanks Chas! Looking forward to the opportunity to show you around our store…tomorrow maybe :)