GRAND UNION TO INSTALL BANK UNITS CHAINWIDE

DENISE ZIMMERMAN

WAYNE, N.J. -- Grand Union Co. here will open the first full-service bank branch in its Northern division next week, a move that marks the beginning of a chainwide commitment.

"This is a new avenue that we're pursuing," said Ray Ayers, corporate vice president of real estate. Although a specific timetable has not been established, he told SN, Grand Union intends to put bank branches in all 253 stores "as space becomes available."

A full-service bank branch is set to open Dec. 5 in the Clifton Park, N.Y., store, followed by another branch opening at the Grand Union in Wappinger Falls, N.Y., on Dec. 19. Prior to next month's openings, banking in the Northern division has been offered only through automated teller machines and limited services through the customer service counter.

Both branches, occupying 600 square feet each, will be operated by Albany Savings Bank, Albany, N.Y. Services include consumer loans, mortgages, savings and checking and brokerage and insurance services.

Ayers said three Grand Union stores in the New York division have had full-service bank branches, but only recently was it decided to make the service a priority on a broader scale. Banking hours at the two new bank branches will be 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Albany Savings Bank will merchandise in the aisles, including shelf talkers in the bakery, where shoppers will be encouraged to visit the bank to "get your dough" or in the produce section where signs will say, "Lettuce be your bank."