Family Savings Credit Union Case Study

CASE STUDY: Family Savings Credit Union

Family Savings Credit Union
Using In-Store Branching to Establish a Presence in New Markets

For Family Savings Credit Union, entering new markets meant finding an efficient way to establish a physical presence, build brand awareness and begin developing relationships within the community.

Through its longstanding partnership with FSI, Family Savings has developed six in-store branches, using retail locations as an opportunity to introduce the credit union to new communities while providing convenient access to financial services.

Establishing a Presence in New Markets

The availability of multiple retail locations gave Family Savings an opportunity to establish its name throughout a new market without relying solely on a traditional branch model.

Working with the retailer and Family Savings, FSI helped move multiple locations from planning and construction to opening within relatively short timeframes. This allowed the credit union to begin building awareness and developing its member base while supporting its new-market presence with additional marketing efforts.

Making the Most of a Smaller Footprint

One of the biggest challenges, and opportunities, of in-store branching is determining how to deliver the functionality of a financial institution within a much smaller footprint.

Each Family Savings location presented its own considerations. Working closely with the credit union, FSI’s design team evaluated the available space and helped distinguish operational needs from wants to determine where adjustments could be made without compromising the overall branch experience.

At one location, for example, Family Savings wanted to maintain a comfortable employee break area despite significant space constraints. Through collaboration, the team identified creative alternatives—including utilizing existing retailer resources and incorporating more compact appliances that preserved important employee amenities while freeing valuable square footage for other branch functions.

That same approach extended throughout the program. From adjusting lobby and vault areas to finding efficiencies behind the scenes, FSI worked with Family Savings to make the most of each available footprint.

Collaboration From Design Through Completion

In-store projects also require coordination within an existing retail environment. FSI worked alongside Family Savings, the retailer, contractors and other project partners to address site-specific conditions as they arose and keep each location moving toward completion.

The result is an in-store program shaped not by a one-size-fits-all prototype, but through collaboration, flexibility and thoughtful use of space.

Family Savings Credit Union In-Store Program at a Glance

• 6 In-Store Branches – Developed with FSI
• New Market Entry – Creating a physical presence and building brand awareness in new communities
• Efficient Footprints – Maximizing functionality within smaller retail environments
• Flexible Design – Adapting each branch to its individual space and operational requirements

A Partnership That Grew Beyond In-Store

The relationship between Family Savings and FSI has continued beyond the in-store program. Over the years, Family Savings has also turned to FSI for numerous traditional branch projects, including remodels, renovations and interior finishes.

The relationship demonstrates how the right branch partner can support an institution across different formats and stages of growth—from establishing a presence in a new market to reinvesting in an existing branch network.

Considering an in-store strategy for your next market?

FSI helps financial institutions make smarter decisions about where, when and how they grow.