SOUTH JERSEY

Comcast launches stores; Alex and Ani at mall

Phaedra Trethan
@CP_Phaedra

Typically, Comcast customers returning a box, exchanging a modem or just paying their bill had to schlep to one of the cable and internet company's office park locations.

Comcast's new Xfinity stores are in Mount Laurel and Cherry Hill (pictured).

But thanks to a couple of bright, wide-open new retail spaces, customers can do those things and more at their own leisure. The new Xfinity stores in Cherry Hill (at Garden State Park) and Mount Laurel (in Centerton Square) are open later (until 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 4 p.m. on Sunday) and are located in busy, centrally-located shopping centers.

On a recent visit to the Cherry Hill location, customers were greeted just inside the door at an intake desk. The open floor plan of the store includes generous seating areas with iPads, iPhones and a large TV, as well as a virtual board with their names in a queue. Kiosks are set up for one-on-one customer service.

Throughout the store are displays where customers can learn about Xfinity's offerings, from home monitoring and internet service to its new X1 television platform. Customers can use more iPads and iPhones to test Comcast apps; products suggested for use with their products, from high-end JVC speakers and headphones to Belkin accessories, are also on display.

Mark Dionne, Comcast's senior director of retail sales, called the stores "a huge shift" from the old, industrial park locations.

Comcast's Xfinity stores have an open floor plan with large seating areas and tech stations where customers can try out apps and other products.

"They were hard to find," he acknowledged. "They weren't designed to allow customers to test products, or to enhance the customers' experience."

The feedback so far has been "awesome," Dionne added.

Comcast plans more Xfinity stores in the region. Stay tuned.

For more information, visit customer.xfinity.com/service-center-locations

Jewelry retailer Alex and Ani celebrated its grand opening at the Cherry Hill Mall Thursday.

The store is the first South Jersey location for Alex and Ani, which also has locations in Princeton, Red Bank and Ridgewood, though Alex and Ani jewelry and accessories are available at several area retailers.

One unique feature of Alex and Ani is its Charity by Design, a collection that benefits nonprofits including UNICEF, Toys for Tots, Alex's Lemonade Stand, the Alzheimer's Association and March of Dimes.

For more information, visit www.alexandani.com/

A Woodbury Heights dance and fitness center is hosting a customer appreciation event with an emphasis on healthy living.

From 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Groove Dance Fitness Training (258 Glassboro Road) will showcase offerings including cardio dance and exercise classes; nutrition and fitness consultations and mental health presentations. They'll also have free chair massages and gourmet tastings with healthy, nutritional food.

For more information, visit www.casadancestudio.com/

Know of a South Jersey business opening, closing, expanding or changing owners? Contact Phaedra Trethan at (856) 486-2417; ptrethan@gannettnj.com