Best Buy opens first UK store in Thurrock, we go hands-on (video)

Ah, there it is, UK's first-ever Best Buy store, officially born at 7am local time yesterday. Naturally, we had to be there to witness such magical moment for Britain's consumer tech market -- the Brits had longed for an injection of energy and professionalism to the seemingly slacking chain stores. Many would agree that DSGi's two main brands -- Currys and PC World -- are on the naughty list, even after their recent relaunch. From what we saw today, it looks like Best Buy's already heading in the right direction. Let's start with the front-line employees. Most of these Blueshirts provided genuine technical answers rather than bluffing their way out, plus we were given product recommendations with no desperate sales pitch as commonly seen in other stores. When we revealed our identity to one of the sales reps, he confirmed that they were trained to not force random products onto customers -- quite the opposite culture to his old days at DSGi (assuming he was telling the truth). We sure did appreciate this new-found shopping freedom in gadget stores, but did the other customers feel the same way? Find out what we heard after the break.

Best Buy opens first UK store in Thurrock, we go hands-on

In between grilling Best Buy sales reps, we interviewed random customers for thoughts on the newcomer. Like us, they also noticed Best Buy's non-invasive but professional and helpful approach to wandering customers, although some reported seeing mixed performance amongst the temporary large staff. We, too, came across an annoying phone rep who didn't even know there were two mains types of touchscreens, but we suspect she was sent in by sister company Carphone Warehouse. Regardless, time will tell if the US electronics giant has trained up everyone well. As for the 50,000-square-foot megastore, there's little to fault on the spacious and well-lit layout, plus the green tech zone -- housing several electric bicycles and even a Tesla Roadster -- deserves massive props, too. You can see for yourself in this video:

So that's Best Buy sorted for the meantime, but what about the local bad boy DSGi? Turned out there was a Currys megastore just a few hundred meters away from Best Buy's Thurrock store, so we popped by for a quick visit. Unsurprisingly, the store was much quieter in comparison. We even overheard one of the managers slagging off Best Buy's seemingly apathetic business approach, but then quickly instructed her staff to be less pushy to customers than usual. Never too late to start learning, eh?

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1 May 2010

BEST BUY UK ENDS SUCCESSFUL FIRST DAY ON A
WORLDWIDE HIGH IN THURROCK


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).

[harry20larry Posted May 1st 2010 5:31AM]

i saw this when i went to ikea, was so excited!

[brrip Posted May 1st 2010 6:58AM]

@harry20larry after my exams, i'm so going there for christmas shopping!

I DON'T CARE IF IT'S TOO EARLY! I WANT PRESENTS!

[Edmunn Posted May 1st 2010 8:22AM]

What's a Best Buy?

[GnuGeek Posted May 1st 2010 8:42AM]

@Edmunn

When in India ?

[aubreyq Posted May 1st 2010 10:15AM]

Dear UK,

We're sorry the U.S. has exported this lame retailer to your country.

Sincerely,

U.S. Geeks

[rutter9 Posted May 1st 2010 10:28AM]

@aubreyq

Now Thurrock can experience retail electronics incompetence as well.


Suckers.

[FadedSpark Posted May 1st 2010 10:34AM]

@aubreyq

Different country, Different management, different rules.

Best Buy's out of US operations are run by a different group, have different (Read: Less shitty, atleast in Canada) policies, and my store has damn good service.

And the appropriate saying here is...

When in rome... Disregard the pricks across the pond and do business your own way.

[theonlysmr Posted May 1st 2010 10:36AM]

@rutter9
they need a frys then they will be like wtf why is it so big ha
frys is way better if you know what you want and have experience in electronics
best buy kinda sucks when compared to frys

[acslater017 Posted May 1st 2010 10:38AM]

@rutter9 In my opinion, Best Buy is by far the best retail experience for electronics in the US. What are the alternatives? Walmart? Target? Fry's? Radio Shack? Bleh.

[Outsider Posted May 1st 2010 10:53AM]

@FadedSpark Best Buy in Canada? Maybe it's because Futureshop is way better in comparison but Best Buy is horrible in Canada for one simple reason:;

Best Buy: Hourly wage. Futureshop employees are so nice cause they're always eager to sell something to you, and that's not a bad thing. Best Buy employees just laze, watching customers until they ask for help.

[okayTodd Posted May 1st 2010 11:06AM]

@acslater017
MonoPrice and NewEgg all you need

[aubreyq Posted May 1st 2010 11:13AM]

@theonlysmr Fry's may have more computer hardware than Best Buy, but they sell a lot of junk and opened $hit. Not a fan.

[Michalis Posted May 1st 2010 11:17AM]

@harry20larry
not only did you see the store but also the chemtrails on the sky... :/

[benjgvps Posted May 1st 2010 11:38AM]

@FadedSpark In Canada, Best Buy is pretty much FutureShop. In fact, I think they're the same company just making Canadians think they have choice.

[Plazmic Flame Posted May 1st 2010 11:40AM]

@benjgvps

Yes, Best Buy and Future Shop are owned by the same people but Best Buy in Canada rocks.

[BacteriaEP Posted May 1st 2010 11:42AM]

@aubreyq

Best Buy's not that bad. I mean it's expensive, yeah. But if you want a quick impulse item and don't want to wait for it, or even if you just want to browse the latest consumer technology they're a pretty great store.

They do have their blunders, but if you've got a good store, like I do, any mishaps are few and far between.

[tomgabriele Posted May 1st 2010 11:48AM]

@acslater017 have you heard of hhgreg? one just went in here where a circuit city used to be. i stopped by last week, it seems like a 3/4 scale best buy with more appliances. no idea how the service is or anything. i guess there is potential

[jetzking Posted May 1st 2010 12:22PM]

@BacteriaEP
atleast Brits wont be dumb enough to spend money on those rip off installations engadgets alwaiz goin on about (yh im british)

[BigD145 Posted May 1st 2010 12:28PM]

@harry20larry I'm sure Best Buy will do its best to hire at part time only for the first year and make sure it's at UK minimum wage.

Oh, and first firings of the entire staff two weeks after opening.

[ernie Posted May 1st 2010 1:18PM]

@Outsider:

You could easily turn that around and say Future Shop employees badger customers, and force sales on you. Whereas Best Buy employees respect your privacy.

[aardman Posted May 1st 2010 1:32PM]

@Outsider I actually prefer the low key approach. Stand back but be visible and available for any questions. I suspect a lot of people prefer that as well.

[KingFaisal94 Posted May 1st 2010 2:25PM]

@brrip GCSE?

[insy Posted May 1st 2010 5:31PM]

@aubreyq
How does Walmart GeekSquad compare to DSGi's TechGuys????

[insy Posted May 1st 2010 5:32PM]

@insy
BestBuy not Walmart :S I fail..

[Saad the other one Posted May 1st 2010 6:06PM]

@harry20larry

Please Engadget, no more bit tune music. Please.

[A N Other Posted May 1st 2010 7:17PM]

@aubreyq I think people don't care. They just want gadget cheap.

[Frankenstein Black Posted May 1st 2010 9:19PM]

@aubreyq - "How dare you, you foolish tech mortal!"
GEEK SQUAD POWER, ACTIVATE!!!

[travisonfire Posted May 1st 2010 10:46PM]

looks like a typical best buy with american brands prominently displayed...where is the Nokia booth?

[JKooL Posted May 2nd 2010 12:14AM]

@theonlysmr

for a store, fry's rocks - especially if you want to play with equipment in store just to feel it out. As far as buying anything hardware related that you 1) already know you want without testing and 2) aren't afraid of breaking (no one wants to go through RMAs) then newegg is definitely the best.

With that said, sorry that Best Buy made it to england rather than Fry's :( - hope service really is better than it is across the pond.

[bjsguess Posted May 2nd 2010 1:09AM]

@harry20larry

For anyone who questions whether Best Buy is good for consumers do this simple test.

Go find 2 sets of USB or HDMI cables - one the cheap price - one the expensive price. Ask a sales rep which one is better. Listen as they explain how the more expensive cable will enhance your computing experience.

I've heard more than a handful of these types of conversations. I generally try to get to the consumer after the encounter and tell them about monoprice.

I only shop at BB when I'm in an absolute pinch or they have some crazy deal (not that often). Honestly, they are good 20-30% more expensive on virtually everything compared to Newegg.

[TonyMontana2367 Posted May 2nd 2010 3:26AM]

@Outsider Best Buy literally owns FutureShop

[dorothymantooth Posted May 2nd 2010 9:58PM]

@tomgabriele
How odd. An hh gregg just opened up here in Roanoke where a Circuit City used to be. I checked it out, and the service was great, but it definitely is more of an appliance store than an electronics store.

[SoulkeepHL Posted May 6th 2010 12:01PM]

@Outsider
Protip: Future Shop is Best Buy Canada Ltd.

[Dew Posted May 1st 2010 5:36AM]

Video fail

[gnargle Posted May 1st 2010 5:44AM]

@Dew This.
Its probably cause I'm a UK man. Not being able to watch videos shot in my own country, whatever next.

[Sean Posted May 1st 2010 5:47AM]

@Dew bestbuy.co.uk fail...........Due to exceptional customer demand, our site is temporarily unavailable.

Good on them though, nice to see some extra competition.

[EVOlution2010 Posted May 1st 2010 6:07AM]

@Dew cant see the video

[Vlad Savov Posted May 1st 2010 6:11AM]

@Dew Apologies. Video is now live.

[BurtonBytes Posted May 1st 2010 5:41AM]

I'd love more big box style US retailers to hit the UK. We've got Costco where I can buy my body weight in cheese but no-one is really attacking the home electornics market. I remember the days of Empire Direct, now they gave DSGi a run for their money. It was like the wild west in there but i saved about £400 on my Regza back int he days when 1080p sets were about £1,700.

[BlackedOut Posted May 1st 2010 7:55AM]

Yeah Costco is dirt cheap when it comes to food, but not so much for tech,

Where's the London Store though? What is this, backwards land?
I might have to go Lakeside just to check it out.

[PaulMdx Posted May 1st 2010 8:23AM]

@BlackedOut There is life outside the M25 you know. You should go there sometime.

[rob47 Posted May 1st 2010 8:57AM]

@PaulMdx It's like fallout 3 right? There is life out there but you wouldn't want to meet it.

[cman103 Posted May 1st 2010 9:47AM]

@BlackedOut
Do you guys have Walmart?

[TOR Posted May 1st 2010 10:08AM]

@cman103

Sort of. We have Asda which is part of "the Walmart Family"

[Sarcasme Posted May 1st 2010 10:45AM]

@cman103 No, they build their own walls.

[Nickmate Posted May 1st 2010 5:42AM]

they should place one in Australia!! That would get massive business!!

[jonwil Posted May 1st 2010 6:21AM]

@Nickmate As an Aussie, I believe we have enough choice for electronics and entertainment options.

We have Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, JB Hi-Fi, Dick Smith, Retravision and a bunch of others.

We dont need Worst Buy over here, just like we dont need Wal-Mart or any other crappy US retailers.

Although some Krispy Kreme action in the west would be great :)

[jastani Posted May 1st 2010 7:00AM]

@jonwil
If BB came to Australia, most of said businesses would get their asses handed to them. They look like amateurs compared to the corporate American take-over beast known as Best Buy.

[brrip Posted May 1st 2010 7:01AM]

@jonwil Really? Everytime I've checked prices online for Australia, they're just aweful. I wanted to ship a Vidock from SOMEWHERE, and Australian prices were somewhere around 500+ dollars, where as it was 200 USD in America.

[Nickmate Posted May 1st 2010 7:07AM]

@jonwil True mate, do love goodguys and jb! I'm just saying it would get quite a bit of profit for a short period...! Besides the west has enough electronics retailers!!