Verizon Wireless Enters Chicago's Magnificent Mile

CHICAGO, IL — With accessibility and convenience serving as two of its key product benefits, Verizon Wireless has made itself more accessible and convenient for area shoppers, opening its newest retail store at 500 N. Michigan Avenue, in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

The store merges the products and services of the nation's largest wireless communications provider with one of the nation's premiere shopping districts. It represents Verizon Wireless' 31^st store in the Chicagoland area and one of five officially opened by the company on its March 24 "Opening Day."

"Accessibility was the key factor in choosing the location. Shopping for a wireless phone should be as easy as using one. By putting ourselves on Magnificent Mile, we are providing convenient access to millions of area residents and visitors, and thousands of Loop-area businesses," said John Knazur, Director of Retail Stores for Verizon Wireless.

He added that the store would serve downtown shoppers and dwellers who have made wireless communications their preferred means of staying in touch. Featured at the store will be a broad variety of products and services, including local, regional and national plans, as well as a premier line of wireless phones and accessories.

Civic and community leaders joined Knazur in a ceremonial "wire-cutting," marking the opening of the Magnificent Mile location.

As part of the grand opening, Verizon Wireless announced a promotional offer of 1,250 minutes (250 anytime/1,000 night and weekend minutes per month), which includes long distance for just $19.99 monthly access for the first three months, and $29.99 thereafter. Customers also will receive a free digital phone with free activation (after $50 mail-in rebate) with a two-year service agreement.

Phil Cole is the manager of the Michigan Ave. store. It will be open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday between 11 AM and 5 PM.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with 27.5 million wireless voice and data customers. The new coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Bell Atlantic Corp. and GTE Corp -- now Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) -- and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). The new company includes the assets of Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless, PrimeCo Personal Communications and AirTouch Paging. The company has a footprint covering nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets. Verizon Wireless, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 38,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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