Best Buy Decodes the "WOW Factor".

Formula and Tools Provide the Key to Perfect Gift Giving

MINNEAPOLIS -- The code has been cracked. That elusive equation that transforms gift giving from a gracious moment into a jaw-dropping experience: The "WOW Factor." Best Buy has not only unlocked the formula, it has devised an entire system to enable shoppers to score perfect gifts - either in person, online or by phone.

Best Buy has worked with Paco Underhill - author of "Why We Buy" and one of the world's savviest shopping sages - to identify what elevates gift giving from worthy to "WOW."

"Shoppers often struggle choosing gifts that create 'WOW' moments for their friends and family," said Bart Reed, director of marketing for Best Buy. "Our Blue Shirts have the knowledge and the tools to help customers find gifts that elicit that priceless 'WOW!' reaction."

The consumer-friendly formula consists of three key ideals for sublime gifting:

* The Message: What you want your gift to say about the recipient and your relationship with him or her.

* Personalization: Consider the lifestyle - the interests and habits - of the person who will receive the gift.

* Utilization: Understanding all the features and benefits of your gift, and how these will enhance the life of the recipient.

"Having someone look at you after opening your gift and say 'wow how did you know?' is a magical moment," Underhill said. "Best Buy is making impressive strides to turn the often frustrating hunt for the perfect consumer electronics gift into a simple and personalized process. Whether you are a tech geek or technophobe - AskABlueShirt.com is designed to make sure as the paper gets torn off the box, you're the hero this holiday."

This new definition dovetails with a powerful set of tools developed by Best Buy that provides a surefire way to a spectacular gift.

The WOW Factor Finder, located at AskABlueShirt.com, is an easy-to-use online instrument that defines a bevy of gifts for any family member or friend. Powered by insights from Best Buy's team of Blue Shirts, the Wow Factor Finder analyzes who's receiving a gift, their interests and potential product categories. A list of promising matches - from a photo printer to gaming accessories - is presented to the user.

According to the joint 2006 Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and Yahoo! study, Understanding How Consumers Use the Internet to Research and Shop for CE Products, 77 percent of consumer electronics purchases are influenced by Internet research. The WOW Factor Finder personalizes this quest. By choosing a login name and password, shoppers can save their selections and create distinct catalogs of gifts for everyone on their list.

Want to ask a shopping question online and perhaps see what gifts others are pondering this season? Enter a live Blue Shirt chat at AskABlueShirt.com. The next chat will take place on Friday, December 15 - just in time for last minute shopping ideas - beginning at 1 p.m. EST. The Blue Shirt team will dispense the same wise and customized advice that makes holiday gifting a snap.

Best Buy has introduced a Click to Call feature on BestBuy.com, so shoppers can get a live Blue Shirt to call them back at a time they request to help with buying decisions.

Prefer some audible guidance? Best Buy's Tech Concierge service is open 24-hours-a-day to provide expert advice and suggestions. Shoppers looking for gift guidance need only dial 1-888-Best-Buy to reach a live Blue Shirt who will help decide whether to get dad a new digital camera or that snazzy new HD DVD player.

Better yet, stop into the nearest Best Buy store for a customized tour of countless products. A team of Blue Shirt experts are eager to guide shoppers through the hunt. Peruse and play with today's most sophisticated and desirable technologies at a relaxed pace while allowing a Blue Shirt to educate about HDTV or help decide what mobile phone has all the features mom wants.

Personal shopping has never been so easy, individual or fun. And at Best Buy, it's all a click, call or short drive away.

About Best Buy Co., Inc.

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) is an innovative Fortune 100 growth company that continually strives to create superior customer experiences. Through more than 1,100 retail stores across the United States, Canada and in China, our employees connect customers with technology and entertainment products and services that make life easier and more fun. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services. A Minneapolis-based company, our operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com and BestBuy.ca), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca), Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers (PacificSales.com), Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com) and Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. (Five-Star.cn). We support our communities through employee volunteerism and grants from The Best Buy Children's Foundation.