Verizon Wireless is breaking new ground in Georgia's wireless retail experience with the Grand Opening of its Covington Communications Store. Built in the company's Evolutionary Store design, the new retail location offers customers a high-tech and hands-on experience with wireless voice, data, music and video services. The new store, located at 10337 Industrial Blvd NE, is open for business and will hold its official grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony March 5, at 10 a.m. Commemorating the store opening representatives from the Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce will share in the celebration.

In honor of the grand opening of the Covington store, Verizon Wireless will present a $500 HopeLine grant to Project Renewal Domestic Violence Intervention Program at the ceremony. Project Renewal actively works to empower victims of family violence to independent thinking and living, free of violence. HopeLine is Verizon Wireless' exclusive nationwide phone recycling program that distributes previously owned wireless phones to victims of domestic violence, supports non-profit domestic violence advocacy groups and provides an environmentally safe method for recycling phones.

The Covington Verizon Wireless store's evolutionary design integrates a number of innovative systems and operational enhancements designed to streamline the sales process and enhance the customer experience including:

o Interactive "demo zone" guided by knowledgeable staff
Notebook computers demonstrating Verizon Wireless' Mobile Broadband, the company's high speed wireless internet service geared toward mobile professionals, business customers and on-the-go consumers.

o Check-in kiosk enables customers to sign in on arrival and stay informed via monitors that track their place in the queue for service

o Roomy and easy to locate technical assistance and customer support areas with interactive displays

"We are very excited to introduce our new evolution store design to the Covington community," says Jeff Mango, president Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama Region. "Through our continued expansion of retail stores such as this one, Verizon Wireless exemplifies its commitment to providing customers with a unique and engaging shopping experience as well as easy access to customer service and technical support all in one place."

Additional grand opening events for the Covington community that are taking place throughout the weekend of March 6 - 8, include live radio remotes, giveaways and special pricing on wireless plans, devices and accessories. On Saturday, March 7 the Covington Police Department will be making a special appearance with their DARE Trailer from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Special discounts for customers are available during the month of March and will include free activation on all two year contracts and 25 percent off select accessories.

The Covington Verizon Wireless store is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; and Sunday Noon - 6 p.m. The telephone number is (770) 385-0085. Verizon Wireless Communications Stores offer a premier line of digital wireless phones in all price ranges, data services and accessories.