Editor’s Note: In this monthly feature, RCR Wireless News talks to retail managers across the country to get a first-hand view of what’s hot in wireless.
Seattle-based Car Toys operates stores in four states, selling mobile devices and service from three of the four national carriers: AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA Inc. and Verizon Wireless. As befitting its name, the company also sells automobile audio systems, security accessories, GPS navigation systems and satellite radio systems. Matthew Baity, manager of the Car Toys store in downtown Denver spoke with RCR Wireless News about wireless sales trends at the location.
What is your most popular handset?
I think our most popular handset right now is the BlackBerry Pearl. People are interested in it because of its size, its access to the Internet, the ease of use and the functions of it. It’s the best phone for the size.
Which accessories are hot right now?
We’re seeing the return of a rise in cases, especially for the BlackBerry, either something rubber or plastic to clip to the belt. It depends on people’s preference, if they want something on the belt or just something to protect it from being dropped. Bluetooth devices and car chargers are still some of the more popular sellers, either for ease of use or for convenience.
Which plans are customers interested in?
I don’t think it’s about plans in terms of minutes, but more about the unlimited SMS that Verizon and pretty much everybody has now, and unlimited Internet plans. We also see interest in PC cards, if you want your laptop connected anywhere you are.
Does any one carrier receive more interest than the others?
It just depends. It’s all about finding a best provider for the customer-what is it you’re looking for, where are you going to use it, and getting the best carrier for the customer.
What data services are customers asking about and signing up for?
A lot of it is the Internet plans, and how to use a device to sync up their business or personal lives with a BlackBerry or PC card. A lot of people are interested in picture SMS and Google text messaging to receive information instead of having to call 1-411. (Google provides a free text messaging service that essentially allows users to search Google via SMS for information such as weather, local search, sports and stock information, calculations, etc.)
What trends do you see ahead for the rest of 2007 and 2008?
I think definitely we’re going to see the rise of other phones that aren’t out yet. I think we will see the BlackBerry trend continuing, and I think we’ll also see a trend with [interest in] the simplest phones, because customers who don’t need all the features are almost overwhelmed by some of the phones we have currently. We’re definitely expecting a rise in business with the Christmas holiday season.
