Marion, Ind. - The Cellular Connection, the nation's largest Verizon Premium wireless retailer with more than 750 locations in 26 states, opened its first five stores in the Pacific Northwest and plans to open 20 by mid-2012.

The chain previously concentrated its locations in the Midwest, mostly east of the Mississippi River.

The chain was founded here in 1991 by Steve and Phyllis Moorehead, who said they sell only Verizon Wireless service and phones to leverage buying power to offer competitive pricing. The company also said it focuses on delivering personalized attention to individual customers.