Comcast is bringing its new model of bigger, more-inviting retail stores to the Twin Cities.
The cable, internet and phone provider will close its store at 1202 W. Division St. in Normal and open a new one in the Shoppes at College Hills this winter, expanding from about 1,200 square feet inside its service center to 4,500 square feet once occupied by women's apparel company Coldwater Creek.
Comcast announced in May it's rolling out a new type of retail store focused on letting customers demo products and get service in a comfortable setting.
"Comcast customers in Normal and other area communities will be able to make payments, pick up and return equipment and get customer assistance at the new store, as they did at the Normal service center," said Amanda Vallejo, director of public relations for Comcast Greater Chicago Region. "In addition — unlike the service center — customers can also get hands-on experience with our products and services in the new retail environment."
The new store will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Comcast's current store opens at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday and closes 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. It's closed on Sundays.
"We will continue to occupy the building on West Division Street, which houses technical operations, engineering and warehouse employees," said Vallejo. "The new store will have around 15 employees, and there are 5 employees in the service center."
Darcy Kennelly Rutzen, vice president of retail and marketing for shopping center owner M & J Wilkow, said the company is "thrilled to welcome the new concept to The Shoppes at College Hills."
“The addition of the Xfinity store will further enhance this dynamic development,” said Normal Mayor Chris Koos of the Shoppes in a Comcast news release.