Best Buy helps ease holiday shopping

MINNEAPOLIS Best Buy announced today that is launching a series of programs designed to ease the pressure of holiday shopping.

Among its initiatives to improve the shopping experience, is the company's reassignment of about 30% of its sales floor to a new cross-trained customer assistant position, who, according to the company would enable customers to get more personal interaction during peak shopping times. The customer assistants will be supported by BlueShirts who have a better understanding in specific consumer electronics categories.

Best Buy also said that it has revamped its return policy, extending the deadline on all products to Jan. 31, 2008. According to the company, the policy even include products such as computers and digital cameras which were previously limited to 14 days.

“We start holiday planning 11 months in advance so we can provide the very best experience possible,” said Brian Dunn, president and coo at Best Buy. “Our holiday approach is focused on bringing our customers complete gift solutions by offering a wide range of products, knowledgeable sales associates, and premium service to customers whether it’s in store, online or through our phone channel.”