Cellular Sales, the largest independent Verizon Wireless retailer by volume, has opened a new store in Oak Harbor as part of its expansion in Washington state.

“Over the next year, the store is expected to add new jobs within the local community,” according to representatives.

“On Nov. 9, the store located at 31370 SR 20 welcomed its first customers. This is Cellular Sales’ twelfth store in Washington and their first store in Oak Harbor,” according to a press release.

The store took over the former O’Reilly Auto Parts building. It will be completed in two phases.

The first phase, featuring a 1,000 square-foot showroom, is now completed, allowing Cellular Sales’ Oak Harbor store to be open for business and serve customers during the holiday season.

Phase two will be completed the end of March, providing an additional 3,000 square-feet.

“By opening our first Oak Harbor store, we hope to better serve our customers in the area,” said Cellular Sales Regional Director Kris Cline.

“We enjoy getting to work with our customers face-to-face and look forward to the opportunity to do that in Oak Harbor.”

The store currently employs six people with plans to add at least 15 new team members as the store continues to grow over the next six months.

Over a period of four to six weeks, Cellular Sales’ recruits are trained with senior sales reps, before selling on their own.