NASHUA, N.H. – Triangle Credit Union has made history as the first credit union to open an in-store branch at a warehouse retailer BJ's Wholesale Club store. The $212 million credit union tapped Atlanta-based retail design build firm IBT to establish its in-store presence. "When we initially began exploring the idea of opening an in-store branch, we decided on a modest branch expansion plan and wanted to be very strategic as to where we located the facility," said Triangle CU Executive Vice President Mark Warner. "BJ's is an ideal branch location for us because it is located in South Nashua, and many of our members live in that area of town. We also found BJ's philosophy to be very similar to our membership focus." The full service branch facility includes two teller stations, two member service stations and a private office for loan closings and meetings. With a minimum of three employees at all times, the branch offers extended hours including evenings and weekends. IBT also provided in-aisle training, a two-day course that teaches the art of speaking with shoppers in the aisles of a supermarket. "The training was helpful in teaching us how to reach out to our members in an in-store environment," said Warner. "The in-store branch differs from our traditional brick and mortar locations because at BJ's the entire warehouse is our lobby. Having space beyond the branch to approach people is new to us. It gives us the opportunity to go out and talk to people." Triangle CU is the third financial institution in the country to run a branch in BJ's.