Business Notebook

What AT&T is calling a first-of-its-kind store for Columbia will open officially with a ribbon cutting Saturday.

The 3,500-square-foot store at 702 Cross Hill Road will feature an interactive space where visitors can see how apps, accessories and devices, such as smart watches and smart locators for kids, can work together. The store also will include an Explore Zone with “explore walls” that showcase AT&T’s smartphones and tablets.

The ribbon cutting is at 12:30 p.m. New customers will be treated to entertainment and a $50 credit on their bills for all new activations.

IN BRIEF

▪  The bailout of Greece took two big strides forward as German lawmakers overwhelmingly backed another financial rescue and the European Union confirmed it would get Athens enough money to avoid an imminent debt default.

▪  U.S. builders broke ground on apartment complexes in June at the fastest pace in nearly 28 years, as developers anticipate that recent jobs gains will launch a wave of renters.

▪  With its thumb raised skyward and a grin on its digital face, a robotic creation of two researchers in Canada is about to start a hitchhiking journey across the U.S.

From Staff and Wire Reports