Western Wayne prepares for new 734 area code

Alan Lessig / The Detroit News

Larry Zuckerman, left, of Leo's Jewelry & Gifts in Wayne says the switch "will be a major expense because all our billboards will need to be changed, so will our business cards, everything."

It's the busiest shopping time of the year, and Wayne businessman David Zuckerman has his hands full.
Between solving staffing snafus and promoting holiday sales, he is trying to figure out the best way to inform his clients of the coming switch in his area code.
"We've been here for 51 years, and part of that time, we didn't even have to use an area code," he said. "I'll get over this. If this is the least of my problems, I should be lucky."
The area code for Leo's Jewelry & Gifts -- the business he and his brother, Larry, own -- and thousands of other businesses and residents in western Wayne County will change Dec. 13.
While Zuckerman will have until July 25, 1998, before the change from 313 to 734 becomes mandatory, adjusting is going to take time.
The switch also affects businesses and residents in Monroe and Washtenaw counties.
Ameritech has been mailing reminders to business owners. But with the holiday shopping season under way, many said they were too busy to work on changing stationery, business cards and computer files.
"I didn't realize the change was happening so fast," Zuckerman said.
"It will be a major expense because all our billboards will need to be changed, so will our business cards, everything."
To help businesses ease into the new area code, Ameritech is changing its yellow page directories to reflect the new area codes and offering business owners labels to stick on clients letters to remind them their new area code is 734.
The area code switch will be drastic for businesses, but similar changes in Oakland County this year went smoothly, said Sara Snyder, an Ameritech spokeswoman. The good news: It's the last new area code planned for at least a year, Snyder said.
Questions about the area code switch can be addressed by Ameritech customer service representatives at (800) 831-8989.

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The area code in western Wayne County changes to 734 on Dec. 13. Both 734 and 313 can be used until July 25, 1998. After July 25, callers will hear an ear-splitting sound, then a recording telling them they must use the 734 area code.

Western Wayne prepares for new 734 area code

Switch occurs Dec. 13. Monroe, Washtenaw counties also affected.

What's next