Helio Stores Calling it Quits

It’s getting more real by the day: FierceWireless reports that a Helio store in the pricey Cherry Creek shopping district of Denver, CO has a closed sign up today. That gives further credence to rumors that the company is closing down much of its operations.

As proof, the site took a picture of a rather ungrammatical, hastily tacked up sign on the front door that reads “The Helio Store is Closed. Contact their [sic] customer support.” Maybe we’re reading too much into this, but that use of the possessive pronoun “their” means that whoever wrote the sign either doesn’t work for Helio, or is in the process of mentally distancing himself or herself from the company.

“The MVNO space continues to be plagued by problems,” the article continued. “Gizmodo reported that embattled MVNO Helio is on life support after merger negotiations between parent firm SK Telecom and Virgin Mobile USA stalled. According to reports, Virgin’s interest hinges on either a bankruptcy declaration or massive liquidation. In the meantime, Helio is planning to begin closing its retail locations and kiosks. Even if an official merger fails, reports suggest that remaining Helio subscribers will be migrated to the Virgin Mobile network.”

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