This story has been updated to amend a source error. 

NILES — A new store in Niles Township is aimed at helping to keep residents connected with their family, friends and the latest internet products.

On Tuesday, a Wireless Zone store opened at 2010 S. 11th St. in Niles Township. The store sells Verizon products and is an authorized retailer of Wireless Zone.

The store marks the franchise’s first to open in the Niles area. Acting manager Eloy Hernandez, of Stevensville, said the newest store location was chosen based on customer need.

“We have one in South Bend, but that is about 35 to 40 minutes away, depending on the traffic. The Benton Harbor store is about the same distance,” Hernandez said. “This was a good spot because it is right in the middle [of a community] where people would have to travel 35 minutes plus to get to either location.”

Hernandez said it took about a month for the formerly vacant storefront from to be gutted and reconstructed. Inside, customers can now find a full-service shop that offers a variety of the latest phone and internet technology.

The store sells approximately 20 different  phone models, including the new Samsung Note and other products like tablets and Bluetooth accessories.

Special to Verizon, the store also offers a product called Hum, which can be installed in cars built from 1996 onwards, and offers vehicle diagnostics and pinpoint road assistance to name a few features.

“For teen drivers, it can give you boundary alerts and speed limits,” Hernandez said. “It is something that is exclusive to Verizon. It has been really popular.”

Lining the walls of the store are also a number of phone accessories, such as cases and screen protectors.

Customers can also visit the store for technology support needs, bill payments and any needed trouble shooting with their products. Family plans for cellphones are available, and none of the phones in the store require a contract.

Hernandez said he has been managing since he first got his start in the industry about 12 years ago. He also serves on the company’s senior management team, and has helped to open a number of store locations across Michigan, including the Benton Harbor Wireless Zone.

Hernandez said he is proud to be part of the company’s growth and is eager to serve customers in the Niles area.

“I am really happy about us growing as a company,” Hernandez said. “I just [hope to offer] a friendly environment, where we can answer any questions and really provide the best customer service that we possibly can.”

Five full-time employees were hired to staff the Niles location, including Hernandez.

The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Wireless Zone stores can be found across the country, including a number of locations across Michigan. For potential promotional offers or sales information, Hernandez encouraged customers to visit the Wireless Zone’s website at wirelesszone.com.