Hong Kong smartphone brand NUU Mobile is launching four of its unlocked Android phones at 165 Meijer stores throughout the upper Midwest of the US.
The distribution deal marks a significant milestone in its bid to crack the US market, where it opened offices last year in Rochester New York and Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
Meijer is a Michigan-based retailer that operates 217 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.
The Nuu Mobile phones will be the first handsets sold by Meijer. They are compatible with T-Mobile and AT&T networks including Cricket Wireless, H20 Wireless, Lycamobile, Metro PCS, Net10 Wireless, Red Pocket Mobile, Simple Mobile and TracFone.
Nuu Mobile VP of consumer sales Chris Rutherford said having a presence for Nuu Mobile in store allows the company to be closer to its consumers and help meet the growing demand for feature-rich unlocked phones.
Meijer stores will feature four Nuu Mobile phones – the NU2S, NU3S, X1 and X3. They will sell from US$99.99 to $229.99.
“As consumers look to save money on their wireless service each month and move away from lengthy contracts with high subsidies, unlocked Android smartphones from Nuu Mobile offer a great value to meet this demand, without compromising on the quality and features one would expect, at a fraction of the price,” said Rutherford.
“Many consumers still want to touch and feel devices prior to making a purchase,” said Rutherford. “Not only are the features and functionality important in the buying process, the weight and feel of phones is also critical so having a presence in Meijer will help us meet that consumer need.
“Our mission is to design and manufacture smartphones that match the best performance of leading brands, all at reasonable prices.”
Launched in 2012, NUU Mobile designs, engineers and manufactures quality unlocked Android smartphones. As well as the US, the company is expanding in South America.