Best Buy Launches Best Buy Mobile Brand and Format in Five Star Stores in China

Best Buy BBY announced Tuesday it is expanding the Best Buy Mobile brand and store-within-a-store concept into select Five Star stores in China. In total, the Best Buy Mobile SWAS format will launch in 14 Five Star locations throughout Nanjing this summer. The expansion of Best Buy Mobile into the Chinese market is the first evolution of Global Connect, a partnership that was formed in November 2011 between Best Buy and Carphone Warehouse. It also supports Best Buy's commitment to international growth, which is highlighted by the continued success and expansion of the Five Star brand. "The launch of Best Buy Mobile in China is a true global effort, bringing together the best of Five Star, Best Buy and Carphone Warehouse to create a new shopping experience for consumers in China," said Shari Ballard, President, International for Best Buy. "Access to connectivity solutions has never been more important for human beings around the world. I'm thrilled to see our Global Connect efforts coming to life for customers in our Five Star stores." This launch follows a similar model that led to the development of Best Buy Mobile in the United States in 2006. Just as Carphone Warehouse did with Best Buy five years ago, the Global Connect team is working closely with its Five Star partners to develop a mobile sales strategy that is designed for the Chinese market. "The mobile phone market in China is growing fast and has tremendous potential," said Nicolas Wang, CEO of Five Star. "Best Buy Mobile will bring a new shopping experience to our customers in China, combining the rich experience of the Best Buy and Carphone Warehouse teams with the local knowledge of the Five Star team."