Sprint today announced a joint venture between it and Dixons Carphone to open 500 Sprint stores around the U.S. The joint venture follows a pilot program the two companies launched last year that saw them test Dixons' best practices in some 20 Sprint stores. Sprint says the pilot was successful and led to improvements in financial performance and customer satisfaction. The expanded partnership will see Dixons Carphone build and operate up to 500 new stores, but the two companies agreed to fund the joint venture equally so each maintains 50% ownership of the joint venture. Sprint has pushed hard to increase its retail presence around the country. Last year, it expanded its footprint to some 4,500 locations, including within more then 1,400 RadioShack stores. Sprint believes the new stores will help it reach more consumers.


More...