We had approximately 2140 retail locations in 15 states at year-end 2005. Over two-thirds of these include elements of our retail concept.
In 2004, the U.S. Patent Office issued a patent for Washington Mutual's retail banking concept - the first patent issued in the country to describe a full-service branch concept.
The patent describes Washington Mutual's retail banking stores as places that "create a welcoming and inviting environment for a customer" and are "in sharp contrast to traditional bank branches." Instead, they have been "transformed into a more retail-like environment."
The patent describes the teller towers, the circular or oval layout of the retail banking stores, the concierge desk and a Kids' play areas. Also noted was the access to online information through wamu.com and bank employees who are hired for their high sales aptitude in order to offer more financial products to customers.
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