Retail spaces — including bank branches — are evolving from transactional sites into brand experience centers. Customers now expect seamless digital-to-physical journeys, human connection, and meaningful design.
Retail is no longer just about transactions. It’s about experience, emotion, and brand trust.
Whether you’re a financial institution reimagining a branch or a retailer designing the next flagship location, retail space transformation is now a strategic imperative.
At NewGround, we help institutions stay ahead of shifting consumer expectations by designing and building spaces that work across physical and digital. We create spaces that work harder for the people who use them.
Why Retail Spaces Must Adapt to Omnichannel Expectations
Today’s customers expect to move seamlessly between online and in-person experiences. For banks, credit unions, and retail brands alike, physical spaces need to support this fluid journey, meaning they serve as extensions of the digital experience, not separate from it.
Retail spaces must now:
- Deliver quick, tech-enabled service
- Offer human connection where it counts
- Reflect the brand identity clearly and consistently
- Adapt to new traffic patterns and customer behaviors
A traditional layout risks pushing customers away by being outdated.
Trends in Financial Institution Space Transformation
The banking sector is leading the way in retail space transformation because the stakes are high. Customers expect personal, digital-first interactions in a trust-driven environment.
Emerging trends include:
- Smaller, more agile branches that prioritize advice over transactions
- Open floor plans that foster transparency and collaboration
- Smart technologies like self-service kiosks and interactive displays
- Community-centered design, integrating local stories and values
Leveraging these trends is about redefining how bank and credit union design serves a purpose. Institutions are rethinking what a branch should be, moving away from transactional counters to welcoming spaces that foster relationships.
Design + Strategy: The NewGround Approach
Transformation starts with strategy. Our process at NewGround aligns business goals with space design — ensuring every square foot serves a purpose.
We begin by asking:
- What do your customers need most in a physical space?
- How should your brand feel? And how do we bring that to life visually?
- Where are operational inefficiencies we can improve with layout?
- How can we future-proof your location for flexibility and growth?
Through integrated bank construction design, we take projects from concept through completion. We align every step of the process, from strategic planning to final buildout. Our design-build model ensures clarity, accountability, and efficiency, allowing clients to open their doors faster and with confidence.
Whether we’re reimagining a credit union’s flagship branch or developing a scalable model for a growing bank, our team ensures the final space reflects your brand’s values and enhances the customer journey.
Results from Client Transformations
A Midwest regional bank approached NewGround, with a goal to reduce square footage and increase customer satisfaction. Through a strategic redesign of their branch network, we:
- Introduced flexible service areas that improved workflow
- Integrated branded tech zones that engaged younger clients
- Created a warm, modern aesthetic that reflected the bank’s mission
The result? A 35% increase in NPS (Net Promoter Score), reduced operating costs, and a scalable branch model that they could roll out across multiple locations.
We’ve seen similar results with national credit unions seeking to modernize aging spaces, as well as community banks wanting to differentiate through local identity and design
innovation. In every case, the message is clear: strategic, branded environments drive results.
Ready to transform your space? Whether you’re in finance or retail, NewGround is your partner in designing and building customer-facing environments that are ready for what’s next.
FAQ
1. What is retail space transformation?
It’s the process of reimagining physical locations — like bank branches or retail stores — to deliver experiences that integrate digital convenience with emotional, brand-driven connections.
2. Why does retail space design matter for banks and credit unions?
Physical branches remain powerful trust symbols. Modern design helps banks move from transactional spaces to relationship-driven environments that foster loyalty and engagement.
3. How does omnichannel design impact the customer experience?
Customers expect consistency. A well-designed retail or financial space complements digital touchpoints, ensuring smooth transitions between online and in-person interactions.
4. What are key trends in banking space transformation?
Trends include smaller, advice-focused branches, open floor plans, smart technology, and community-centered design that reflects local identity.
5. How does NewGround approach transformation projects?
NewGround starts with strategy — aligning business goals with design intent — and executes through a unified design-build model for efficiency, clarity, and brand consistency.
6. What results can institutions expect?
Clients see measurable outcomes like improved NPS scores, reduced operational costs, and stronger brand recognition — all from spaces that perform as beautifully as they look.