Cell phone service provider Republic Wireless, which uses WiFi where available to keep the cost of its plans lower than others, is opening an unusual pop-up store designed like a home environment in downtown Raleigh.

Designed like a home, with a living room, kitchen and back yard, “It doesn’t feel like a store,” said Chris Chuang, co-founder and CEO of Republic Wireless. “Get some coffee on us and talk on the living room couches. It’s not your typical sore trying to sell you something.” He added that if customers want to buy, they can, but “It’s not a shelf display environment.”

He added, “It’s more about customer support and education than selling product.”

The company took a temporary three-month lease on its 17 East Martin Street location in downtown Raleigh. It opens October 2, with a ribbon-cutting Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. coordinated with the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Raleigh Alliance.

Chuang admits the store, the company’s first, is a bit of an experiment. But it’s in line with Republic’s community spirit.

“This is a new venture and a big milestone for us – opening our doors as a pop-up shop. Republic is very proud to call Raleigh ‘home’ so it’s fitting that our first initiative is here. There is such a dynamic, authentic energy in downtown so it is a perfect setting for us,” Chuang said.

“Plus, we love being able to partner with local groups including the Raleigh Chamber, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, LM Restaurants, Raleigh Provisions and others to help bring our vision to life,” he said.

Celebrating “real moments” with people

It will also give the 200 employee company a chance to engage in some face-to-face interaction with its customers.

“We want to stand for celebrating people and the ‘real’ moments we have with each other – people experiencing life to its fullest while still staying smartly connected. Our pop-up shop, staffed entirely by employees from our headquarters, allows us to start this deeper conversation. While this is a beta concept, if all goes as we are hoping, it is conceivable we could expand upon the concept,” Chuang said in a statement.

Founded six years ago, Republic is headquartered on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus. The company was recognized for offering the best basic plan by MONEY magazine and named a top pre-paid carrier choice by Consumer Reports and for excellent consumer satisfaction by PC Magazine.

It offers basic plans starting at $15. Republic leverages the power of both WiFi and nationwide cellular networks. The service uses WiFi in the home, office or anywhere else as the primary network for calls, texts and data. When outside of WiFi coverage, the smartphone works just like a typical smartphone on the cellular networks of national GSM and CDMA carriers.

It doesn’t work on Apple or Windows phones. Chuang says the company continues discussions with Apple. “We would love to work with Apple and we’re trying to make that happen, but our technology requires a certain integration with the operating system. Android is open so we’re able to get that. Apple is more closed and proprietary.”

Windows phones just don’t have enough market share to make them a priority. “I read that even Bill Gates is using an android phone now,” Chuang said.

The company is working on new plans it expects to roll out at the beginning of next year to “further improve their value,” Chuang said. “We’re always trying to improve their value.”

Through the end of the year, the Republic store will be center stage for special events, demos, featured experiences, personal member support, and community participation including:

  • NCFC Day 10/7: We’ll host members of the NCFC and give away tickets to the NC Courage playoff game on 10/8
  • Workshops: Weekly, put on by RW staff
  • First Friday celebrations in partnership with LM Restaurants
  • Reading and art events in partnership with Read With Me
  • Raleigh Provisions snacks
  • Pine State coffee