Nationwide building society moves to new unit at Merry Hill

The new branch on the upper mall, which is double the size of the old unit, has been transformed to incorporate Nationwide’s latest modern and homely branch design.

Self-serve and face to face services will be available at the new state of the art store by Primark, which is more than 4,000 square-foot.

Katrina Green, branch manager at the Nationwide Merry Hill branch, said: “We are always thinking about how we can improve the facilities and services we offer our members, and transforming our branch in intu Merry Hill is part of that. I’m really pleased we have been able to progress with the refurbishments in these unusual times and welcome our members back with health and safety measures in place.

“Technology is revolutionising modern banking, but we recognise that today’s customers want the choice and convenience to do what they want, wherever they are. It is our belief as a building society that while technology provides convenience, it is our people who offer service. That’s why, as a mutual, we passionately believe in the future of branches, and more importantly the people within them.”

The upgrade comes as part of Nationwide’s investment of more than £225 million in its branches across the UK.

The society, which has served its members in the Black Country since 1991, recently extended its branch pledge and promised not to leave any town or city in which it is based without a branch until at least January 2023.

The opening of the upgraded branch at Merry Hill is the latest unveiling at the mall which has celebrated 10 new openings since the start of the pandemic.

Rachael Jackson, general manager at intu Merry Hill said: “As the centre remains open to provide access to essential services, we are pleased to see Nationwide open the doors to its new and improved store for the local community to enjoy.

“We want to reassure all our visitors that we continue to do everything we can to make sure intu Merry Hill is a safe place to visit and would like to remind our shoppers who are visiting the centre for essential products or services to wear face coverings, keep their hands clean, following marked routes and to keep their distance at all times.”