Umpqua Bank Introduces Next Generation Flagship Store in Seattle

New location incorporates experiential design and technology to create unique customer experience

Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:UMPQ), debuted the newest iteration of its flagship store concept in Seattle’s fast-growing South Lake Union (SLU) neighborhood. Located at 200 Westlake Avenue N., the store integrates technology and design to create a compelling and inviting space for customers and the community. Umpqua’s SLU location includes elements from the company’s recently opened San Francisco flagship, which won the Retail Design Institute’s 2013 Store of the Year Award.

Store features include an interactive digital wall showcasing products and services, open spaces for browsing, reading and recharging digital devices, and private conference rooms available to the community and businesses.

“Umpqua’s goal is to create a unique kind of bank, one with the products and services of a large institution that chooses to operate with the local engagement of a community bank and the customer experience of the country’s most innovative retailers,” said Ray Davis, Umpqua Bank president and CEO. “We’re particularly pleased to be opening in South Lake Union, one of the country’s most dynamic neighborhoods.”

The Conversation Wall

As part of the store’s opening, Umpqua commissioned design studio Daily Tous Les Jours to create a participatory public art experience. Dubbed the Conversation Wall, the interactive installation on Umpqua’s SLU storefront is designed to engage the South Lake Union community. Passersby can text conversation topics they care about and Umpqua will curate a series of events in response to community interest. The Conversation Wall will be up through May 31st, and events will be posted at umpquabank.com/SLU.

Spotlighting Local Entrepreneurs

The store also features Umpqua’s Local Spotlight program, a rotating retail display featuring local companies that share Umpqua’s passion for innovation. On display this spring are products from three Seattle technology start-ups – Poppy, Touchfire, and Micro Phone Lens – each recently funded on Kickstarter. All three are available at Umpqua’s SLU store for trial and purchase, and visitors can nominate other forward-thinking businesses they’d like to see in the spotlight.

Store Design

The store space was designed to engage the community through a variety of additional interactive features, including:

• Refresh Bar – Customers can recharge with a cup of Umpqua’s proprietary coffee blend or Smith Tea – or plug in their devices at this convenient station, which also features free wifi and inspiration tablets.
• Catalyst Wall – This motion-detecting, interactive touchscreen display highlights Umpqua’s products and services, while also sharing the perspectives and insights of entrepreneurs and Umpqua associates.
• Large Format Audio + Video – The main store area features a large projection screen for movies, presentations, gaming or other events. Additionally, gaming consoles that plug into the projector will also be available, allowing large format play for group participation.
• Exchange Rooms – These flexible rooms are available to anyone who would like to reserve them. Each room features a wall-mounted LCD with Skype cameras for in-person and virtual meetings.

The South Lake Union flagship will be open 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and can be reached at [phone] or online at http://umpquabank.com/slu.

About Umpqua Bank

Umpqua Bank, headquartered in Roseburg, Ore., is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation with locations between California’s Central Coast and the Puget Sound, along the Oregon and Northern California Coast, and in Central Oregon and Northern Nevada. Umpqua Bank has been recognized for its innovative customer experience and banking strategy by national publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, BusinessWeek, Fast Company and CNBC. The company has been recognized for the past eight years in a row on FORTUNE magazine’s list of the country’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” and was recently named by The Portland Business Journal the Most Admired Financial Services Company in Oregon for the ninth consecutive year. In addition to its retail banking presence, Umpqua Bank owns Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc., a nationally-recognized commercial finance company that provides equipment leases to small businesses.

Umpqua Holdings also owns a retail brokerage subsidiary, Umpqua Investments, Inc., which offers services through Umpqua Bank stores and in dedicated offices throughout Oregon. Umpqua’s Wealth Management Division serves high net worth individuals and nonprofits by providing customized financial solutions and offerings. Umpqua Holdings Corporation is headquartered in Portland, Ore. For more information, visit http://www.umpquabank.com.

for Umpqua BankTom Biro, 206-686-6420 or [e-mail]