Verizon Wireless is rolling out its Evolution Store design in 560 additional locations nationwide in 2009, offering consumers wireless voice, data, music and video products and services.

Introduced nationally last year, the new design will be featured in 830 company-owned Communications Stores nationwide by the end of the year. Verizon Wireless will also introduce a new design that will give customers greater access to live phones at 28 free-standing company kiosk locations nationwide.

"The Verizon Wireless state-of-the-art Evolution Store design introduces new and innovative integrated systems, store configuration and operational enhancements designed to increase customer satisfaction and streamline the sales process," said Tom Pica, spokesman for Verizon Wireless, Basking Ridge, NJ. "Our inviting centrally featured ?demo zones' enable customers to explore Verizon Wireless products and services independently, or with the help of one of our wireless sales representatives.

"It is designed to appeal to both current and prospective customers," he said. "New customers can see -- and make calls and examine -- more than 70 different handsets and wireless devices that are activated and fully charged; existing customers can also come in for customer service, technical support, to pay a bill, or to see what's new."

Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone. It is the No. 1 carrier in the U.S. based on number of subscribers.

The Evolution Store design introduces new integrated systems, a different store configuration and operational enhancements designed to increase customer satisfaction and streamline the sales process.

The newest innovation, introduced in all Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, is the company's sales software system: Streamlined Hybrid Order Processing Path, or SHOPP, which was developed by Verizon Wireless to speed the sales process.

Additional store features include automated greeter kiosks, where customers can check in and list their wireless needs so representatives can quickly assist them, allowing them to browse the store if there's a wait, without losing their place in line.

There is a dedicated demo zone that lets customers explore, experiment and learn using interactive touch screen work stations. They can also seek guidance from Verizon Wireless sales staff.

A broad range of Verizon Wireless products and services will be on display. Unlike most other wireless retailers, this includes more than 70 working phones, smartphones, PC cards and other wireless devices that customers can examine and use to make live test calls.

"We announce our new stores by market when they are opened using a variety of marketing campaigns -- local advertising, promotional campaigns, etcetera," Mr. Pica said. "We also sponsor a number of smartphone workshops where we invite customers to come meet with one of our wireless data consultants for advice on tips on how to get the most from their smartphones and wireless PDAs.

"Other times, and especially in October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we have promotions and activities around our HopeLine program, which is designed to raise awareness and prevention of domestic violence through our phone recycling program," he said.

Evolution Stores that have opened to date in 2009 include Oro Valley, AZ; Eugene, OR; West Valley City, UT; Stroudsburg, PA; Portage, IN; Hadley, MA; and Henderson, NV.

Verizon Wireless Evolution Stores have also opened this year in Palm Harbor and Orlando, FL; Hoboken and Newark, NJ; Burlington and Waynesville, NC; Humble and San Antonio, TX; and Covington, Smyrna and Evans, GA.

In California, Evolution Stores have opened in Corona, El Monte, Glendora, La Jolla, San Francisco and Westwood/Los Angeles, CA.

"Our plans for the coming year are still developing, but you can count on seeing them in many if not all 49 states where we provide wireless service," Mr. Pica said. "Last year, the rollout covered stores in 30 states."