Farmers Expanding Lab Branch Concept to Canton

CANTON, Ohio – Farmers National Bank will expand its Lab Branch concept to Canton, opening the second such branch in the fourth quarter near the Belden Village Mall.

Located at 5443 Whipple Ave. NW, the branch will feature Farmers’ emerging technology and customer service initiatives, including Interactive Teller Machines in the lobby and drive-thru. The Lab Branches are also used to gather feedback on new technologies before they’re deployed at other sites.

The Canton branch follows the opening of Farmers’ first Lab Branch in Canfield in July 2020.

“At Farmers, we believe in having a culture of innovation. After the successful launch of our first Lab Branch concept, we continue to place an emphasis on implementing new technologies that produce a one-of-a-kind banking experience for our customers,” said President and CEO Kevin Helmick in a statement.

Along with the new teller machines, the Lab Branch also offers a more relaxed atmosphere to encourage interaction between bankers and customers, he added.

“When it comes to the retail banking experience, we believe the Lab Branch offers the perfect blend of digital technology and the legendary customer service Farmers is known for,” said Amber Wallace, chief retail and marketing officer. “We are able to have meaningful one-on-one interactions with customers, while showcasing and demonstrating our new technology. All of this coincides with the bank’s digital strategy to advance through technology and collaboration.”

Pictured: Farmers National Bank’s Lab Branch in Canfield.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.