Press release
The first Best Buy store in the UK opened its doors today to thousands of excited customers as the company hailed the first day at its Thurrock store as a resounding success.
Paul Antoniadis, CEO of Best Buy Branded Operations said: "Today is on track to be the biggest ever opening day for a Best Buy store anywhere in the world by volume of sales. Everyone on the Best Buy team is delighted with the start of this new chapter in Best Buy's story."
From 7 am onwards thousands of customers streamed through the front doors, taking advantage of incredible opening deals, competitions and entertainment.
Anthony from Purfleet said, "I've been waiting for ages since I saw Best Buy's launch announced last summer. Two weeks ago I found out it was opening today so I booked time off work to come down. I expected there to be big queues so I got down here early. I actually only came in for Avatar on Blu-Ray but now I've got two Nintendo Wiis and a hard drive - and I'm coming back later for a laptop when I've picked up the ‘missus' from work."
Tom from Dartford said: "I spoke to a Blueshirt for about 10 minutes about laptops, he seemed to really know his stuff."
Best Buy's top opening day products included:
- Televisions: Toshiba 32" LCD TV HD Ready (32AV615) (£179.99, non-sale price £329.99) and Samsung 32" LED Full HD TV (1080P) (£399.99, non-sale price £699.99)
- Games: Wii Black with wireless remote, nunchuk, Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort (£99.99, non-sale price £179.99)
- Entertainment: Avatar Blu-ray and DVD combi pack (£9.99)
- Computing: Iomega Prestige 1TB Desktop Hard Drive (£49.99, non-sale price £89.99)
- Mobile: Blackberry Curve 8250 Black & Lilac (£99.99 Pay as You Go, non-sale price £199.99)
- GreenTech and electric vehicles: Xero Tech eScooter Classic (£999.99, non-sale price £1,499.99) and Freeloader Solar Charger (£14.99, non-sale price £32.99)
- Camera: Fujifilm J25 Digital Camera (£49.99, non-sale price £99.99).
Best Buy also sold its first 3DTVs, including the flagship Samsung 40" 3DTV (UE40C8000) for £1,999.99.
Kam Prajapati, General Manager at Best Buy's store in Thurrock said: "Today has been an exciting time for our customers, Blueshirts and Geek Squad Agents alike. The response from customers has been so positive, whether about our helpful, knowledgeable team or the range of latest technology on offer - including TVs, laptops, mobiles, electric bikes, scooters and cars - and the amazing prices.
"What's been even more amazing is the surprise when people realise the real possibilities of technology. We help our customers to Walk out Working when they buy any laptop, camera or mobile phone, offer 121 Help so we can show them how to network their laptop, mobile and TV together to watch, share and enjoy music, movies and games at home and on the go."
‘Grand Opening' deals that sold out on day one included: Wii Black with wireless remote, nunchuk, Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort , Logitech 1100 Remote Control, Iomega Prestige 1TB Desktop Hard Drive, Blackberry Curve 8250 Pay as you Go (Black and Lilac), Samsung 32" LED Full HD TV (1080P).
The deals are continuing throughout the weekend, with Best Buy's recommendations:
- Dell Mini 1011 Notebook (£199 - amazing deal)
- Toshiba 32" LCD TV HD Ready (32AV615) (£179.99, non-sale price £329.99)
- Fujifilm J25 Digital Camera (£49.99, non-sale price £99.99)
- Avatar Blu-ray and DVD combi pack (£9.99)
- The Gocycle with free carry case £1,299.99 (cycle non-sale price £1499.99, case non-sale price £119.99) and Xero Tech eScooter Classic (£999.99, non-sale price £1499.99)
- Samsung C10 Standard Definition Camcorder (£99.99, non-sale price £129.99).
