Yucho has recently lost some of its payments business to Japan's convenience-store chains, which together have an even more comprehensive branch network than the post office.

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Where there is a change, 9.5% would have access to post office services within one mile by road distance to the nearest alternative branch.

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The branch can make recommendations to a customer based on tactics and campaigns that have been established by the head office.

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Banks have traditionally struggled to find a profitable business model in impoverished areas, where the cost of operating a branch office usually outweighs whatever profits it can achieve.

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