National Bank of Greece has opened a technology-heavy concept branch in Athens designed to showcase its electronic services.
The i-bank store gives "e-banking true physical form" claims NBG, with staff providing information and assistance relating to online and mobile services.
The screen-filled branch includes a lounge area with a virtual sky and vertical garden, while an interactive zone is equipped with augmented reality applications and electronic games.
Customers can also take part in education workshops, watch presentations, use video conferencing and tap the free WiFi. A free i-bank store club card gives members access to sweepstakes, discounts and invitations to various events NBG is planning at the branch.
NBG is following in the footsteps of BNP Paribas, CBA and Citi who have all recently turned to old fashioned, bricks and mortar branches to showcase their electronic channels.
Meanwhile, the bank is also teaming with six universities to run an innovation and technology competition calling for ideas in electronic commerce, Web applications, environment-related tech and alternative channels. The winner will receive EUR20,000 with another nine finalists also getting cash prizes.