A new Alltel store opened in Wadesboro last Wednesday, Feb. 16, and held its grand opening celebration Saturday, Feb. 19, offering free pizza, $1 smart phones and a drawing for a new Blu-Ray player to its customers.

As of about noon on Saturday, the new store had already seen a steady stream of customers. "This is where Alltel can be Alltel," manager Andrew Lambert said. "After Verizon bought out Alltel, a lot of people thought Alltel no longer existed but there are some areas where Alltel stands alone, and Wadesboro is one of them."

Wadesboro already has one Alltel store, located in the Food Lion shopping center. The new store was opened in response to the original location handling so much traffic, Lambert said.

"People seem to be really happy they've got another option," he said.

The two Wadesboro stores are part of parent company, 3D Marketing, LLC, which also has stores in Rockingham and other neighboring counties.

"We offer the current handsets, accessories and accept bill payments here," Lambert explained. "We probably have the largest selection of accessories in the area. We're full service. We can take care of any of our customer's needs right here."

The new Alltel store currently has four full-time staff, but will probably expand as needed.

It is located at 220 Walton Drive in the Walmart shopping center, and is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 1-6 p.m. on Sundays.