Qwest Opens 98th Store, Wireless Toyz 100th

Denver— Qwest Communications has opened its 98th retail store.

The latest addition is a flagship shop, located in the lobby of the carrier's headquarters here. The new unit, opened last month, brings the total number of Qwest Solutions Centers in Colorado to 16. The remaining 82 retail outlets are located throughout 14 states.

The carrier bills itself as the only communications provider that offers a full-service retail environment with personal, face-to-face assistance for wireless plans, high-speed Internet access, home-phone packages, long-distance service and DirecTV subscriptions.

Meanwhile, wireless retailer Wireless Toyz opened its 100th store last month, in Anaheim, Calif. The Farmington Hills, Mich.-based franchise chain has opened 37 outlets since January and is scheduled to open 50 more locations by the end of the year, which will bring its store count to 150 units in 21 states. The company has also signed an additional 130 franchise agreements, which will contribute to a projected store count of 250 locations next year — up from nine Michigan locations when it began franchising in 2001.