AmBank has partnered with coffee chain Bask Bear Coffee to officially introduce a new community banking experience for its customers, based on the café-in-a-bank concept. Currently implemented at three AmBank branches in the Klang Valley, Penang, and Kedah, it allows customers to bank while they enjoy coffee in a café environment.

This collaboration will see both brands existing side by side in adjoining lots, and integrating customer experience wherever necessary. “Bask Bear customers can have full access to AmBank’s suite of banking and financial services, while AmBank customers can enjoy the café ambience complete with Bask Bear Coffee’s barista hand-crafted coffees, signature toasties, and light meals,” AmBank shared in a statement.

Customers can also order their drinks and food from Bask Bear online before coming in to perform their  banking transactions. Alternatively, they can carry out their banking transactions online, then drop by the branch for personalised consultations within a café environment.

Managing director of retail banking for AmBank, Aaron Loo said that this partnership is in line with AmBank’s efforts to redefine the customer experience at its branches, starting with community banking.

“With AmOnline being able to handle most transactional needs, we needed to ensure that customers who come to the branch enjoy a differentiated experience. We will be continuing to innovate our branch network by working with partners to create a differentiated experience based on the needs of the community that the branch serves,” said Aaron, adding that the AmBank-Bask Bear collaboration has yielded positive outcomes since its soft opening recently.

Meanwhile, founder and chief executive officer of Loob Holding – the parent company of Bask Bear Coffee – Bryan Loo said that this collaboration is an “evolution” that will benefit everyone, especially the customers. “As far as we know, this is the first such concept where a cosy café intertwines with a dynamic functioning bank branch,” he further commented.

AmBank is expected to continue this collaboration by exploring other locations, targeting another 47 such outlets throughout Malaysia in the future. Meanwhile, AmBank customers who wish to check out the three AmBank branches that are piloting the café-in-a-bank concept can head on over to Bandar Baru Bangi (Selangor), Sungai Dua (Penang), and Lagenda Heights (Sungai Patani, Kedah).

There is also an ongoing promotion to celebrate the launch of these branches, allowing visiting customers to purchase Americano or latte drinks (9oz) at RM5 per cup, provided they pay using an AmBank credit or debit card. Additionally, ten customers who successfully perform eligible banking transactions or fulfil specific requirements at any of the three AmBank branches will also be selected as lucky winners to receive a free cup of coffee every day, for a full year.

(Source: AmBank)

• TAGS:
• Aaron Loo
• AmBank
• Bask Bear Coffee
• Bryan Loo
• Café-In-A-Bank
• Loob Holding