Best Buy has launched a new television ad employing a bit of negative campaigning against Walmart, which has emerged, in Circuit City's wake, as its primary rival.
In the 30-second spot, the latest in Best Buy's "True Stories" series, a Best Buy appliance supervisor in Texas tells the story of taking a call from a customer needing help with televisions and asking about the difference between LCD, plasma and contrast ratios. The ad's twist? The caller was calling from a Walmart.
"You're obviously calling us because we're knowledgeable," Munoz tells of telling the caller. The man then arrived at the Best Buy store, after which Munoz proclaims him "a Best Buyer for life."
Best Buy's CMO, Barry Judge, told Advertising Age that the idea behind the ad is to "play for share," and show how Best Buy is different from its competitor.
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If you shop Wal-Mart you better know exactly what you want, get in and get out. If you want advice on a product, well good luck! I have a super Wal-Mart just down the street and I have yet to find a clerk that could answer questions I had on a product, most do not speak english! As far as prices on electronics go they are not that great. Best Buy is a slight step ahead of Wal-Mart on qualified sales help. The ad,s are clever but don't expect to get accurate info from Best Buy.
walmart has "great" prices because they are a terrible corporation in the realm of humanity. they are continually called out on their treatment of employees (less than half are covered under their health insurance), and notice how in the 90's they used to have all those signs that sayed, "Made in America." Ever stop to wonder what happened to all of them? Well, Sam Walton died, the family took over, and now WalMart is one of the highest outsourcers of manufacturing jobs.
While both Best Buy and Wallmart are geared to meet the masses. Specialty integrators can usually match or even beat the big box pricing item for item (If that is what drives you). Most of us involved with custom electronics integration and work (Or own) a local business are seasoned and are far more experienced with helping a client achieve a completed electronics project. Yes, folks can get advice from the net, but often a relationship with someone in the business will prove to be a large advantage with regards to meeting your actual needs and overall budget requirement. Also, keep in mind that having a close friend in the business does have its advantages both in and outside of the office. I find it hard to build a long term relationship with a "Big Box" or internet sales company. Shop Locally and support your own community!
John
The employees at Best Buy are knowledgable? Maybe compared to Walmart, but not to any other retailer. They as much admitted that when they opened Magnolia stores inside their stores.
The only reason they outlived Good Guys & Circuit City is that they had lower prices. Their knowledge was always at the bottom of those 3. As soon as someone such as Walmart begins offering the same products at lower prices, Best Buy will join Good Guys, Circuit City & Tweeter.
For accurate Audio or Video information both are a joke. Best Buy is about equal to Radio Shack in a nicer building
That's a hoot. Best Buy as the experts? Right.
Best Buy is more expensive, stores are old and I never get good service from their associates.
Walmart might not be service oriented but they have great prices, clean stores and ok selection. (Knowledge? I get it in the internet)
If someone believes I'm going to now go to Best Buy because of their salesforce hasn't visited a Best Buy in Tampa.