Viva Móvil, the authorized Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) reseller that teamed with Jennifer Lopez and launched in May at the CTIA Wireless 2013 conference, is planning to launch four more stores in the greater Los Angeles area by the end of September. The company, which sells wireless phones and services to the Latino market, currently has two stores in the New York City area as well as an online storefront.
According to Viva Móvil General Manager Miguel Montero, the four Los Angeles locations will include stores in Azusa, Calif., Baldwin Park, Calif., Lynwood, Calif., and Pico Rivera, Calif. The company will then focus on opening stores in South Florida.
"Our customers are responding well to the experience in our stores and online. We are treating customers as if this is a conversation, as opposed to a transaction," Montero noted. "We want them to spend some time with us."
He said that the majority of the company's customers are gravitating toward smartphones, particularly the iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S4. They are also purchasing Lopez's accessories, which are available in the stores and online.
Lopez made a splash at the CTIA Wireless 2013 show in May when she appeared on stage with Verizon Wireless COO Marni Walden to announce Viva Movil. Verizon dealer Moorehead Communications and distributor Brightstar are also involved in the venture. The company said it plans to open 15 brick-and-mortar stores by year-end and Montero said it is on track to meet that goal.
The goal of the venture is provide a better retail experience for the growing Latino market, which was estimated to have had $1.2 trillion in purchasing power in 2012.
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