Published June 2002

Consolidated Cellular
stores close abruptly

By Eric Fetters
Herald Business Writer

Consolidated Cellular, an authorized dealer for several major wireless companies, has abruptly closed several of its retail stores — including a number in Snohomish County.

A cellular services dealer with several area stores allegedly hasn’t paid wages owed to a number of laid-off employees, prompting complaints to the state and possible legal action. Former workers said they were left without jobs and without money they earned prior to the closure.

Steve Pierce, a spokesman for the state Department of Labor & Industries, confirmed the agency has gotten calls from former employees about not being paid.

Several local Consolidated stores are still closed or could not be reached. The phone numbers for the locations in Lake Stevens, Marysville, Monroe and Snohomish have been disconnected. A call to VComm Wireless in Everett, a subsidiary of Consolidated, also found a disconnected number.

Josh Daniels of Marysville, who had worked at VComm, said he had heard some of the closed stores were reopening, but with different employees.

Back to the top/June 2002 Main Menu