Best Buys getting a quick shot of schadenfreude this year as its major competitor, Circuit City, goes under.
But todays victor can quickly become tomorrows vanquished, and theyre working hard to make sure that doesnt happen as they come up against a new player in their field Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart wasnt as big of a threat to Best Buy until the recent recession started to push buyers to seek better deals on their electronics, even if they had to compromise on knowledgeable customer service and warranties the things that have kept Best Buy customers loyal until now.
Wal-Marts bumping up its selection of televisions, video games and mobile phones, which is making Best Buy nervous that their newfound Circuit City customers may go straight to a new competitor.
With customers nationwide tightening their belts, Best Buy is working hard to make sure they can offer a shopping experience thats worth the extra investment. Best Buy banks on customers needing the expertise that their customer service reps can offer as they try to figure out which of their hundred new cell phone options is best for them. Well see if thats the sort of experience that money cant buy.
If not, Best Buy may be defeated before the shine has even worn off its winners belt.