U.S. Cellular associates are inviting the local community to their Bend store on August 11 and 12 for the store’s first annual Customer Appreciation Celebration. There will be a variety of giveaways for anyone who visits the store and a mobile prize wheel where customers can use their smartphones to spin to win prizes that include accessory discounts, bill credits and other items. With the sometimes crazy back-to-school shopping season in full swing, everyone is invited to stop by for a fun and unique shopping experience.

“At U.S. Cellular, we truly appreciate our customers, and we want to take this opportunity to express just how much we value them and want them to have a great wireless experience,” said Erryn Andersen, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in the northwest. “We encourage the entire community to visit our store, talk with our associates, and have an enjoyable time while checking out all of the latest technology and great deals available.”

The back-to-school season has historically been one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, and a time when parents think about getting their kids their first cellphone. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2017 Back-to-School Survey, spending for back-to-school and back-to-college combined is projected to increase 10 percent over 2016 to $83.6 billion. Additionally, the survey found that 35 percent of back-to-school shoppers intend to purchase a tablet, while 28 percent of back-to-college shoppers plan to purchase a tablet and 21 percent plan to purchase a smartphone in preparation for the school year.

Additional terms apply. See uscellular.com for details. In-Store Contests: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. See store for Official Rules.