Aperio Branches

In January 2005, Coast Capital Savings Credit Union introduced the revolutionary Free Chequing account. They were the first Financial Institution in Canada to open a Chequing account that was truly "free." Since then, it appears that the company has been on a mission to make banking less traditional and service their customers in unique way, in order to stand out from their competition.

Coast Capital Savings has since decided to try something different than the traditional banking-style branch concept. The first aperio-style branch opened in June 2005 in Pitt Medows, Coquitlam and Cloverdale also changed to aperio-style in later 2005. Aperio means, "to make open" in Latin. Coast Capital is hoping that this more customer-centered approach will bring in more customers and business for the future.

President and CEO, Lloyd Craig states that, "Aperio will bring branch design into the 21st century and as the name suggests, it will provide an open and accessible, customer-owned space that facilitates helpful and high quality service. We want to be an innovator in the financial services industry, not just in British Columbia but also across Canada. Our aperio store will set Coast Capital Savings apart as one of the nation's leaders in retail banking."

The branches are approximately 3500 square feet giving customers a more personable banking experience from the moment they walk in the door as they are individually greeted. Employees will stand next to customers at specially designated banking stations, where branch employees can discuss banking. Customers can obtain information about upcoming community events, products and services and give feedback and opinions on the new branch styles at touch-screen stations located throughout the branch. "Customers will be able to view their transactions on the computer monitor, giving them full access to their financial records," Craig also mentions. "We are revolutionizing banking by thinking like a responsive retailer that designs its stores around the consumer's needs."