PNC converting 12 local sites into its new branch concept

PNC Financial Services Group, parent company to PNC Bank, said it plans to convert 12 local branches to its new universal branch model over the first six months of this year, part of a goal to transform more than 100 branches across its footprint.

Universal branches, a concept PNC began rolling out three years ago to better accommodate how customers prefer to bank, feature full-service financial consultants trained to handle multiple functions rather than tellers processing basic transactions. Most banks are switching to similar concepts to cater to changing customer needs.

PNC piloted the concept at its Malvern location in 2013, new construction in the Uptown Worthington project on 10 National Ave., which is near the intersection of routes 202 and 29.

Here’s what you will find in the updated branch concept:

• No tellers or teller windows. Instead, there a solution center with PNC customer service personnel trained to handle a variety of banking needs.
• All transactions will be conducted via iPads or five 'Smart' ATMs that are envelope free and dispense cash in denominations as low as $1.
• A discovery table with touch-screen computers and iPads for demos of mobile deposit, Virtual Wallet and other products.

Two differences in the latest design from the original universal branch model that had been used in Malvern are that a concierge station has been removed and PNC scrapped its video conferencing for advice on a mortgage or treasury management.

PNC spokesman Jason Beyersdorfer said customers were not utilizing either enough to warrant keeping them in the new model, though the video conferencing was only used in a few branches.

The PNC branches set for conversion are as follows:

• 480A Norristown Road, Blue Bell, Pa.
• 4673 Old York Road, Chalfont, Pa.
• 1316 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, Pa.
• 954 Youngsford Road, Gladwyne, Pa.
• 550 E Lancaster Ave., Radnor, Pa.
• 31 S Chester Road, Swarthmore, Pa.
• 1120 S. Cedarcrest Blvd., Allentown, Pa.
• 1781 Rte 206, Southampton, N.J.
• 501 Rte 73 & Brick Road, Marlton, N.J.
• 1424 S Black Horse Pike, Williamstown, N.J.
• 7421 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, Del.

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal