What is only the forth Verizon Wireless company owned and operated store in the Bronx, and its first “Evolution” store, opened amid fanfare just before Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah on December 6.
Verizon Wireless has finally set up shop after signing a lease in July for the 5,000 square-foot space at 2150 White Plains Road that used to house Frishman’s, a ladies garment store that had been a fixture on the commercial corridor for over 40 years.
Larry Prospect, executive director of the White Plains Road Business Improvement District, said that Verizon Wireless beat out several other perspective tenants for the prime piece of commercial real estate that will serve as an asset to the already long roster of top-notch stores on the street.
“The Verizon Wireless store is attractive and good for the street,” Prospect said. “Cell phones are such a big item now and this is going to be a major store – there is no question about it.”
Store manager Antonia Denoon was thrilled when she learned that she was going to be the manager of the first company-owned Verizon Wireless “Evolution” store in the Bronx, which offers an interactive experience for customers and more knowledgeable, better trained sales and service people.
“We are an all around store: we offer bill payment, price payment analysis, technical service, and sales in case you want to purchase accessories, upgrade, or get a new line of service,” Denoon said. “This is our first Evolution store in the Bronx. The layout of the store is different because we are an Evolution store, making the shopping experience more interactive for the customer.”
Denoon said that besides an interactive experience, Verizon Wireless Evolution stores have all of the stores’ staff on the floor at all times.
“Our representatives are all around representatives who handle every aspect of the business,” Denoon said. “We are tying to hire a universal person to offer the experience the customer is looking for; whoever you are greeted by can assist you in anyway possible.”
Verizon Wireless appears to be a sign of the times.
“We are getting mostly chain stores as new tenants,” Prospect said.
David Sandberg, a spokesman for Verizon Wireless said the company’s expansion onto White Plains Road is indicative of an overall strategy to expand the reach of the company.
“We have a good relationship with Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr., and work with him on a domestic violence prevention initiatives, and for help in hiring.” Sandberg said.
The store is also a place for people to pay their Verizon Wireless bills, and recycle old cell phones no longer needed.
The store can be reached by phone at (718) 829-3179.
