MINNEAPOLIS — August 13, 2008 — 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 fast*, 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.
*Based 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.