Best Buy Pledges Immediate Access to Summer Technology

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May 1, 2008--Best Buy wants to help its customers better enjoy their summer with technology, pledging to ensure their summer technology works for them. Best Buy’s new, Walk Out Working™ program provides Geek Squad set up and personalization on purchases of all new BlackBerry smartphones or any brand of GPS device, ensuring that the technology will be ready to use immediately for summer travel. The program will run from May 4 through July 12.

In addition, Best Buy will encourage its Reward Zone members to escape with technology this summer by offering double points on purchases in select product categories most associated with summer, including:

Car electronics
Mobile phones
Portable gaming
Laptops
GPS
MP3 players
Digital cameras and digital camcorders

Reward Zone MasterCard holders have an opportunity to earn triple points when purchasing accessories related to those product categories. Best Buy’s Reward Zone program is the largest free customer loyalty program in the country with more than 24 million members. As part of its summer program, Best Buy will put all BlackBerry smart phones on sale until May 24. (1)

“While summer is often thought of as a time to escape from technology, we believe technology can actually help our customers enjoy their summer even more. From GPS units to guide their roadtrip to MP3 players for enjoying music at the beach, only Best Buy can offer consumers the guidance, support and inspiration to easily incorporate technology into any summer experience,” said Barry Judge, chief marketing officer, Best Buy.

In addition to Walk Out Working™ services and Reward Zone offerings, Best Buy employees from around the country want to ensure customers are getting the most out of their technology this summer. Customers interested more information on how technology can enhance their summer can visit www.bestbuy.com/summer. Some summer enhancing tips Best Buy employees include:

Backyard BBQ: “Wireless outdoor speakers add a fun dimension to summer outdoor activities, piping clutter-free music into your backyard cookouts, get-togethers and pool parties.” ~ Pat Kerrigan, Boston, Store #530
Beach time: “Sun, sand and water are about the worst things electronics can encounter, and unfortunately even the best case can't fully protect all devices. Our top five reasons for returns or replacements are dust, heat, humidity, wear and tear and surge damage. Performance Service and Replacement plans are a great option to protect your electronics – they cover all problems resulting from Mother Nature.” ~ Jesse Miller, Annapolis (Md.), Store #163
Sports & activities: “Scene modes are a great feature offered in nearly all digital cameras. Consumers can adjust modes to capture memories from your family picnic in the day to fireworks on the 4th of July.” ~ Tara Tindall, Baltimore, Store #1436
Hiking & camping: “In the age of convergence, many people are adding GPS technology into their cell phones so they have an instant map no matter where they are or what they are doing.” ~ Pablo Rodriguez, Chicago, Store #323
Road trips: "Consumers should take their GPS unit out of the car when finished using it. First, this will prevent theft, but second, cars have some of the most extreme temperature conditions, especially in summer when it's mounted on a dashboard and has sun beating down on it all day. Removing the unit from your vehicle may extend its use." ~ Jevon Kinloch, Atlanta, Store #896
Destination travel: “Worried about filling up your memory card while on vacation? High-capacity memory cards can be your best friend. They are 4GB in size and can hold up to 3,000 pictures! Just make sure your camera is high-capacity ready.” ~ Jen Scott, Denver, Store #1079

(1) Instant savings on phones require activation through Best Buy of new lines of service with 2-year agreement on each line. Price in tag is the sale price and is a reduction from the price with a 2 year agreement. The Qualified Upgrade Price requires a new 2-year agreement for qualified existing customers. See a Customer Specialist for details. Limit 5 phones per customer. No dealers. Service available in New Jersey. Carriers and phones vary by store. Subject to the terms and conditions of the carrier agreement, including, as applicable, activation fees, credit approval and termination fees. Excludes outlet center items, special order, clearance, demo, and open box items.

SOURCE Best Buy Co., Inc.