Fragrant Banking

A new branch of Lloyds Bank in South London takes on a new fragrance as more and more banks experiment with different formats to attract more follower

10:30 31 December 2016

High Street banks in the UK are investing millions of pounds in makeovers and experiment with different formats to attract more followers. A new branch of Lloyds Bank in South London is offering customers an inviting scent of white tea and thyme.

 

"It gives that inviting feel, that welcoming feel," says the building's designer, Sarah Harrison.

 

"You can smell it on the High Street when the wind's blowing in the right direction."

 

Jakob Pfaudler, the chief operating officer of Lloyds Bank's retail division, said: "It moves further away from the traditional, rather stiff branch environment. So, while it wasn't necessarily a design feature, I think we're going to roll this out into many more of our branches - maybe not that specific scent, although I like it."

 

Meanwhile, US firm Capital One offers banking “cafes” across the US where customers can take advantage of a more affordable coffee as well as a freshly baked muffin.

 

“We had a digital bank, and we needed to connect with the communities that we serve," says Shaun Rowley, Capital One's director for national expansion.

 

"These cafes give customers a chance to come in, and experience our brand: see, touch and taste Capital One."