Office Depot to carry XE Mobile phones and service

Mobile virtual network operator XE Mobile has worked out a distribution deal with Office Depot stores, aiming to land college-age customers as they shop for school supplies.
“We’re already seeing an increase in sales, proof positive that we have the right team in place and our partnership with [Office Depot] is being well received in the marketplace,” said Mark Ghermezian, president and CEO of XE Mobile.
XE’s phones and service are available at more than 3,500 retail stores, the company said, including Meijer and Trans World Entertainment locations. XE, which is touting itself as a “sexy” new brand, offers pay-as-you-go service starting at 10 cents per minute and includes membership in the XE Card Club, a youth discount program whose partners include Target.com, Urban Outfitters, Dell and other retailers. The company said it is in “prime position for aggressive growth in 2007.”