Best Buy Begins Sales Of Apple's 3G iPhone
1:27 PM EDT Mon. Sep. 08, 2008
Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) is officially in the iPhone business. The Minneapolis-based electronics retail giant began selling Apple (NSDQ:AAPL)'s 3G iPhone on Sunday, the first U.S. retail chain to do so. The product was the sole item featured on the cover of Best Buy's weekly Sunday paper circular ad. Until now, the iPhone was available only through Apple and AT&T retail stores. Sales through Best Buy's 970 stores and 16 Best Buy Mobile stores will require a two-year service contract with AT&T, similar to the deals through Apple and AT&T retail stores. A Best Buy spokesman said the company could not comment on early sales demand for the units.
Best Buy's Website also has the 8 GB iPhone available for $199.99 and the 16 GB version for $299.99. The retailer announced last month it would carry the iPhones beginning in September and Shawn Score, Best Buy Mobile president, said at the time the iPhone would have a big impact on the holiday buying season.
"Consumer response to the iPhone has been truly amazing. We're thrilled Best Buy Mobile is the retailer to make the iPhone available " and all the support that goes along with it," said Score said in a statement. Best Buy already sells Apple Mac computers and iPod music players, as well as accessories.
Best Buy Mobile employees, even part time staff, underwent at least 80 hours of training to support the iPhone products, according to Best Buy.
Best Buy shares traded Monday afternoon at $46.14, up $1.22 or nearly 3 percent.
Best Buy's Website also has the 8 GB iPhone available for $199.99 and the 16 GB version for $299.99. The retailer announced last month it would carry the iPhones beginning in September and Shawn Score, Best Buy Mobile president, said at the time the iPhone would have a big impact on the holiday buying season.
"Consumer response to the iPhone has been truly amazing. We're thrilled Best Buy Mobile is the retailer to make the iPhone available " and all the support that goes along with it," said Score said in a statement. Best Buy already sells Apple Mac computers and iPod music players, as well as accessories.
Best Buy Mobile employees, even part time staff, underwent at least 80 hours of training to support the iPhone products, according to Best Buy.
Best Buy shares traded Monday afternoon at $46.14, up $1.22 or nearly 3 percent.
