On Sale September 7 at Best Buy Stores Nationwide
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) announced today that it will carry Apple's
revolutionary iPhone 3G at Best Buy Mobile stores nationwide beginning
September 7.
“The iPhone has changed the way people think
about their mobile phones, and we are delighted to help more customers
get their hands on this revolutionary product,”
said Brian J. Dunn, president and chief operating officer, Best Buy. “Our
Best Buy Mobile employees have the training and expertise to deliver the
best experience possible for our customers - from the initial purchase
through the life of their iPhones.”
The new iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone with
3G networking that is twice as fast1, built-in
GPS for expanded location-based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software
which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs
hundreds of third party applications available through the new App
Store, which is a built-in application on every iPhone running iPhone
2.0 software.
Best Buy Mobile plans to sell the iPhone 3G at the suggested retail
price of $199 (US) for the 8GB model and $299 (US) for the 16GB model.
iPhone 3G requires a new two-year contract with provider AT&T for
qualifying customers.
All Best Buy stores also offer Apple's iPod, the world's most popular
music player, and more than 600 Best Buy stores nationwide carry Apple's
industry-leading line of Macintosh computers including the MacBook Air,
the world's thinnest notebook, and the award-winning iMac.
With the addition of Apple's iPhone 3G, Best Buy Mobile offers one of
the best and the most complete array of wireless carriers and handsets
available from one retailer. Best Buy Mobile offers consumers wireless
plans from as many as nine carriers and up to 95 devices.
On August 6, Best Buy completed a two-year conversion of Best Buy’s
970 U.S. stores to include Best Buy Mobile, giving customers
unprecedented choice of mobile phones, plans and accessories.
“Customers love Best Buy Mobile's assortment
and the experiences they get in working with our employees,”
Dunn said. “As we roll the concept to all Best
Buy stores in the U.S., we're seeing a 10-fold year-over-year increase
in smart phone purchases.”
A key feature of Best Buy Mobile is its staff. Employees, even part-time
staff, undergo at least 80 hours of intensive training, as well as
continuing education, on mobile phone technology and trends.
A part of customers’ purchases is the Best
Buy Mobile unique Walk Out Working™ program.
Walk Out Working provides multimedia and smart phone set up and
personalization – such as e-mail and data
transfer – ensuring the technology will be
ready to use immediately.
1Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual
speeds vary by site conditions.
About Best Buy Co. Inc.
With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe and China, Best Buy
Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) is a multinational retailer of technology and
entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and
innovation. The Best Buy Co., Inc. family of brands and partnerships
collectively generates more than $40 billion annual revenue and includes
brands such as Best Buy, Audiovisions, The Carphone Warehouse, Future
Shop, Geek Squad, Jiangsu Five Star, Magnolia Audio Video, Pacific Sales
Kitchen and Bath Centers, and Speakeasy. Approximately 150,000 employees
apply their talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life
for customers through retail locations, multiple call centers and web
sites, in-home solutions, product delivery and in our communities.
Community partnership is central to the way we do business at Best Buy.
In fiscal 2008, we donated a combined $31.8 million to improve the
vitality of the communities where our employees and customers live and
work. For more information about Best Buy Co., Inc., visit www.bestbuyinc.com.
Best Buy Public Relations
Jeff Dudash, 612-291-6122
jeff.dudash@bestbuy.com
