MONROE — US Cellular, among the biggest providers of mobile phone service in the area, will no longer sell phones and service through popular local retailers such as Fuzzy’s and Gombosi Electronics/Radio Shack.
The move takes effect on July 1. US Cellular will continue to provide service in the area but will market its products exclusively through its own retail shops, including the one in Monroe. The news came as a shock to many subscribers in the area, including Radio Shack’s Tina Gombosi.
“They made a corporate type of decision,” Gombosi said on Monday, as she fielded calls from concerned subscribers, whom she says have grown accustomed to accessing the service and buying phones through her store and at Fuzzy’s, the other authorized retailer. “It made good business sense to them of course, they are a large corporation.”
Gombosi said her store typically sold between 300 and 500 phones each month, a significant amount in this market area. The change was announced in a social media post made by the Gombosi’s recently.
“We’ve had people and customers from all over the area, from Green County, from Lafayette County, even Stephenson County,” she said. “It’s the local service that many people have come to rely on with us.”
Although a representative from US Cellular corporate office was not immediately available to comment, reports said the company was doing the same thing with other local retailers — opting to open its own branded stores in Wisconsin localities instead of working with the hometown businesses. Chicago-based US Cellular is owned by telecom provider TDS.
The Monroe store, the largest Radio Shack in the nation, will continue to sell mobile phone accessories and electronics, just as it has done for the past 17 years, she added. A new dividing wall will be constructed between Radio Shack and the new US Cellular outlet located next store at 301 6th Ave West.
“We may not be able to activate a new cellular device for you, but rest assured that we will continue to be here for any questions you have,” the shop said on its Facebook page. “The Radio Shack/Gombosi Electronics side will continue to serve our community for many years to come.”
Reaction to the news was swift on social media, with most posters saying they were sad to see the local stores will no longer have a role in activating and maintaining US Cellular service here.
“You have always been great…absolutely the best US Cellular service and support,” said one commenter. “So sorry to hear this but glad that the Radio Shack part of your business will be as strong as ever in our community.”
Fuzzy’s Audio & Video Co. released a statement on social media Monday afternoon:
“While change isn’t always easy, we learn to adapt and move forward. We’ll continue to be a resource for you to troubleshoot certain telephone issues, along with our other products and services. Fuzzy’s AV is a local brand you have trusted for over 30 years, and we will be here to serve you for many more years to come.”