MASON CITY – Cell-U-Byte has closed its doors in Mason City.
The phone message at the store says it closed due to “unfortunate circumstances.”
Cell-U-Byte, now formerly located at 1531 4th Street SW (pictured), was a popular, family-owned cell phone store associated with US Cellular where you could buy a phone, have it serviced, or get on a calling plan.
NIT received several emails from now former Cell-U-Byte customers asking what happened to the store, why it closed.
“Have been a customer of cell u byte for a long time, went their today and the building is empty. What happened to it?” one email said.
The reason the store closed is not clear; attempts to reach the former owner, Mike Bergan, were not immediately successful.
Candy Rowe, a US Cellular Agent Manager out of Cedar Rapids, told NIT that she could not disclose why the store closed. She said the store closed for “various reasons. It was a decision that was made. I can’t disclose why.” She said that Ceull-U-Byte was a privately-run store, versus other stores which are company-run.
Rowe said that the company is directing all its local US Cellular customers to a company-owned store located at 402 Indianhead Drive in Mason City. “That’s where we are directing the customers. We are looking to possibly expand and improve that location in the near future.”
where did the guy that fixes the phones in the back go?? he is awesome!!!
Isn’t that guy great – he had actually moved his office some time ago so he’s still around in Mason City. They told me where, but I don’t remember as I figured I could ask at cell-u-byte again next time i needed him.
He started his own business behind Willowbrook mall. Its called Iowa Cell Phones and Repair
I have walked into US Cellular to check their pricing on two different occassions over the last month. Both times,I was in the store at the front counter for 10 minutes or more and was never noticed or even acknoledged and walked out. Customer service is a thing of the past and must return to help local businesses be profitable. Did Mike advertise? I can’t even remember the last time I actually saw Mike out on the floor helping customers.
I will seriously miss cell-u-byte! The family owned flavor there was evident and it wasn’t overlly crowded. I have hated going in the other store – they really need to improve customer service – i have been ignored waiting at the counter and treated like an annoyance and like a number on a number of occasions. I literally hated it if I had to go in there – am very disappointed cell-u-byte closed!!!
Just FYI if you like US Cellular then be advised that Electronic Engineering is an authorized agent for them. They are on Delaware just behind Taco Johns.
if you think US Cellar is hard to deal try I wireless, we hav a defect phone from them, and they will not take care of us….Jim
Another business it set to go into this building but I can’t remember what. Also, the cellphone store located at Regency, by Subway has also closed.
I agree. I will miss that place because they were always so helpful and knew what they were doing. I would rather be run over by a truck than have to go back to that place out west by the Subway. They are not friendly and they are not helpful. What else is going to be closing in this town????? Things are getting serious!
I do not like doing business with the corporate store by Wal-Mart. I have been lied to by staff there and am very unhappy Cell U Bite is closed. The staff employed there were very helpful and polite. guess I’ll go with a different carrier in the future and have been with US Cellular for over 10 years. Very sad.
I’m going to miss that store. They were always nice & helpful & down to earth, unlike the other US Cellular.
Yes, I certainly agree. I bought my phones and service through them since day one. Easy to work with, very pleasant.
Another one bought out directly, or indirectly, by Mercy.
The city council will be renaming Mason City to Mercy City next year.