Merchants Bank Opening Branch Downtown

Merchants Bank plans to open a branch in the old Farr’s shoe store in the historic downtown by August, the company announced in a news release issued last week.

This will be the ninth branch of the Bangor-based locally owned and operated bank.

The new branch at 2 W. Broad St. will be modeled on the Merchants Bank Easton branch, with sit-down customer service and teller representatives, instead of the traditional teller windows.

“We feel delivering individual service in this way is more customer-centric and will enhance the customer experience we consistently deliver,” said Tracey S. Smith, Merchants Bank executive vice president and chief operating officer.

The office is being leased from ALT Realty. The upstairs apartments and downstairs retail space was developed by Anthony Scarcia  and the Pektor Family.

“We feel that Merchants will be a tremendous asset to local businesses and the overall community,” said Scarcia.

“There are no other true community banks serving the downtown area,” said Anthony Biondi, the bank’s chief executive officer.

“Since 1890, the bank and its employees have a solid history of supporting the businesses and the communities in our footprint. We are proud to bring our brand of customer and community service to Bethlehem.”

Merchants Bank has two branch offices in Bangor and other offices in Mount Bethel, Wind Gap, Nazareth, Forks Township, Martins Creek, and Easton.