On the list of stuff we’d never think of (a.k.a. the list of reasons why we’re broke): Caffeinated Banking.
Utilizing a hip branding and marketing strategy, First Citizens Bank and Trust is opening up a coffee shop in the lobby of a historic downtown Columbia, S.C. building – hoping to bring some business to the city’s struggling Main Street district (and land a few new customers for the bank, obviously).
The concept has been implemented successfully in other markets, most notable the ING DIRECT cafes – which first opened their doors in Canada in the late 1990s.
“Learning about money shouldn’t be complicated,” ING said of its cafes – which are now operated across North America by Capitol One. “In fact, we think it can be as easy as enjoying a cup of coffee with friends.”
That’s the angle Columbia, S.C. marketing whiz Elizabeth Reardon is taking with First Citizens’ new cafe, which will open in August.
Reardon – hired by the bank to come up with unique targeted marketing events – has big plans for the space, located in the 143-year-old Brennen Building on Main Street. Among them? Networking events, wine tastings, speaker series, trunk shows and financial education seminars held during lunch hours.
The First Citizens’ cafe will be open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Coffee and pastries will be provided by a pair of local companies, and like most local coffee hangouts free WiFi will be available.
Wanna learn more? Click the link below or follow the cafe on Twitter by clicking here …
FIRST CITIZENS CAFE
***
28 comments
Well, a good cup of joe will take your mind off the bank’s pecker up your ass
Ah, OWB. Keeping it classy!
Should have pulled this one up first
OK, what’s with all the goddamn chit chat
Missing us already
Have a great holiday. Just got back from Hell, aka Edisto Island
Will take a couple of cases of ying ling to get rid of the taste of what they call drinking water and everyone else calls horse piss
Pro Tip:
We would suggest that you take the “ying ling” to Edisto with you (in copious quantities) and avoid the “drinking water”, altogether. We have always loved Edisto, back in the day (Ain’t been the same since the Edisto Motel Restaurant closed…), but we were always well provisioned with Buds and Rolling Rocks.
All this talk of Yuengling, Bud and Rolling Rock is about to make me look for a more refined group to banter online with.
Yuengling is a disgrace to beer, the Black and Tan is ALMOST palatable.
Well
Ah, OWB. Keeping it classy!
Should
Pro Tip:
We would suggest that you take the “ying ling” to Edisto with you (in copious quantities) and avoid the “drinking water”, altogether. We have always loved Edisto, back in the day (Ain’t been the same since the Edisto Motel Restaurant closed…), but we were always well provisioned with Buds and Rolling Rocks.
All this talk of Yuengling, Bud and Rolling Rock is about to make me look for a more refined group to banter online with.
Yuengling is a disgrace to beer, the Black and Tan is ALMOST palatable.
Not a bad idea.
Not a bad idea.
Great, now you can case the bank and look like someone enjoying a cup of coffee.
Great, now you can case the bank and look like someone enjoying a cup of coffee.
I will guess this place is closed within a year, maybe replaced with a starbucks!
I will guess this place is closed within a year, maybe replaced with a starbucks!
First Citizens is one of the best banks with which I have ever had an account.
First Citizens is one of the best banks with which I have ever had an account.
I’ll have mine amortized ,no cream please !
I’ll have mine amortized ,no cream please !
Um, great advertising?
Um, great advertising?
Uhh…nice plug for this Reardon woman. I imagine she is attractive.
Uhh…nice plug for this Reardon woman. I imagine she is attractive.
ANY meaningful additions to Columbia’s pathetically shortsighted Main Street corridor is welcome.
ANY meaningful additions to Columbia’s pathetically shortsighted Main Street corridor is welcome.