FLAT-OUT DIFFERENCES; FROM PRICING AND WEB PRESENCE TO ATTRACTING CUSTOMERS, BEST BUY AND CIRCUIT CITY TAKE CONTRASTING APPROACHES TO FLAT-PANEL TV MERCHANDISING.(Best Buy Company Inc. and Circuit City Stores Inc. offering attractive Flat-Panel Televisions)

HFN: The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network, October, 2004 by Rudnick, Michael

Byline: Michael Rudnick

NEW YORK-While it is clear that Best Buy and Circuit City have placed a heavy emphasis on flat-panel televisions by offering a similar assortment of big-name brands, the merchandising approach of these big-box competitors differs widely.

On the retail floor level, Best Buy appears to focus on self-service, as is evident by its in-store Web kiosks. The retailer offers its customers the option to browse for product on the Best Buy Web site within the store, check pricing, promotions and availability.

While Circuit City's in-store customer service is by ...