Best Buy discounts laptops to counter Wal-Mart
Best Buy Co. is testing sales of discounted laptops with Internet contracts as it expands higher-margin services to fend off Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and online outlets.
Customers at selected stores can buy laptops at lower prices if they sign up for two years of Internet service, Chief Executive Officer Brian Dunn said Thursday. The chain has tested selling laptops, with contract, for nothing to $399, he said. Best Buy already sells mobile phones and netbook computers with plans from outside carriers such as AT&T Inc. and Sprint Nextel Corp. The retailer gets a commission.
