There's no question that retail is in a state of flux caused by digital disruption and online competition.As today's tech-savvy customers seek out convenient, digital experiences, all organisations with a retail presence must rethink their retail network and branch strategy - and this includes the banking and insurance sectors.With 87% of shoppers still preferring the instore experience in their purchasing behaviour, retailers, service centres and financial institutions must build engagement and customer experience within their stores and branches, in order to drive customer loyalty, retention and revenue.Some of Australia's leading financial institutions have already made waves to transform their retail locations and appeal to the modern, digitally savvy customer, to ultimately improve efficiency, customer relevance and profitability.For example, in response to rising consumer demand for convenience and digital capability, banking giant ANZ has moved to transform their retail branch network by rolling out 'digital branches'. ANZ has opened 4 new retail locations, a home loan centre, 2 business centres and refurbished over 22 branch and business centres in NSW alone since 2015, with the aim of providing seamless, omni-channel banking experiences for both staff and customers.Read the full article now to learn more about ANZ's Branch Transformation Strategy… Meanwhile, NAB has pledged $6 million toward its Sydney flagship branch, featuring an Apple Store inspired layout, instore cafe and teaching islands to guide customers in an open environment, all to improve branch experience. Disruptive and pilot innovations will be trialled within the branch, including new versions of their banking apps, new digital devices before they enter the market and technology enhanced self-service options for customers and staff.Read the full article now to discover NAB's Innovation Hub Branch Concept… Westpac's vision for the Branch of the Future encompasses branch design that is reflective of the community around it. Having rolled out over 50 'Bank Now' branches that integrate a number of customer-led innovations and focus on demographic specific design, their branches feature interactive 'discovery zones', leading edge digital technology, and even media walls that showcase the bank's community ventures.Read the full article now to explore Westpac's Retail Branch Innovation Strategy… Suncorp has also committed to delivering unmatched, customer-centric branch service through their new Concept Stores and Customer Marketplace model. According to Medina Cicak, In-Store Delivery Advisor Store Transformation at Suncorp Group, the bank's approach has been to evolve branch layout and services to serve changing customers behaviours through adopting a differentiated 'store' strategy, teller-free store environments, and an 'Apple-store' culture serving the six customer pain-points of their financial lifecycle.Read the full article now to learn more about Suncorp's Customer Marketplaces Retail Network Strategy…  With research recognising branch service as a top 3 driver of customer satisfaction in Australia, branches must evolve to cater for digitally engaged consumers and adapt to changes in technology, consumer behaviour and customer experience.LEARN MORE AT FUTURE STORES 2018The Future Stores Summit, held 21 - 22 February 2018, is Australia's only event dedicated to Retail Store Design and Experience, featuring cross-industry insights from Australia's most progressive retailers, banks and