Best Buy(R) Opens New Store in Largest U.S. Shopping Center

One of the best-known shopping and entertainment destinations in the U.S. – Mall of America® – will now include Best Buy on its extensive store roster. The newest Best Buy, located on the third floor of the mall’s West Market, will officially open to the public at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2008 at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. In concert with the new Best Buy store, the Best Buy® Rotunda at Mall of America, also will provide a world-class platform to stage a variety of entertainment ranging from musical performances and celebrity appearances to game launches. Additionally, a Best Buy sales kiosk will be located within the Best Buy Rotunda at Mall of America to provide customers with convenient access to selected products. "Mall of America is one of the world's premiere shopping and tourist destinations. Becoming part of the Mall of America community means that we are able to give people from around the globe the opportunity to interact with our great employees and experience Best Buy," said Brian J. Dunn, president and chief operating officer, Best Buy. "We are excited to bring the latest in technology and services to this popular venue. Our new 45,000 square-foot store gives us a prominent presence within the mall, which is only a short distance from our U.S.-based headquarters. We also look forward to hosting a number of special events at the Mall that will provide our customers with amazing and inspiring entertainment experiences.” "We are truly excited to welcome Best Buy to Mall of America,” said Maureen Bausch, executive vice president, Mall of America. "This pairing of two great Minnesota grown brands is certain to be a recipe for success. The great products and legendary service that Best Buy brings will be welcomed by our more than 40 million annual visitors.” Prior to opening on Thursday evening, 25 winners of Best Buy’s summer "Go On Get Out There” sweepstakes will assemble to receive $1,000 gift cards for an exclusive one-hour shopping spree before the store opens. At 6 p.m., the store will officially open to the public with gifts for the first 100 people in line. A grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting Friday morning, August 8, features a special celebrity appearance by NBA legend and businessman Earvin "Magic” Johnson. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, and Best Buy have formed a strategic relationship to strengthen Best Buy’s urban market presence and deepen relationships with multicultural customers. Johnson will deliver a "chalk talk” to Best Buy BlueShirts prior to the ribbon cutting on the value of diversity among their colleagues and customers, and encourage them to contribute to the team’s success and serve the community. Later in morning, Johnson also will meet with 200 youths served by various local community agencies. He is expected to highlight for them the importance of both formal and informal education in developing their skills and unique talents. The Best Buy opening festivities continue later on Friday, August 8, with a fan-thrilling performance and autograph session by the iconic band, New Kids on the Block at the newly dedicated Best Buy® Rotunda at Mall of America. The band’s new release "The Block” will be available on Sept. 2 and contains the hit singles Summertime and Single (featuring Ne-Yo). Limited edition autograph passes to secure a spot in the autograph line will be available with a pre-order of the band’s new release. Quantities are limited and the offer is exclusive to Best Buy at Mall of America. The complete schedule of events around the opening of Best Buy at Mall of America includes: Thursday, August 7 Store Grand Opening 6 p.m. – Store opens to the public Friday, August 8 Best Buy Grand Opening Celebration featuring Earvin "Magic” Johnson 8:30 a.m. – Grand Opening Presentations including executive speeches and check presentations to PACER Center and Cornerstone 9:30 a.m. – Chalk Talk by Magic Johnson with store staff 9:50 a.m. – Ribbon Cutting including executives, local officials and Magic Johnson 10:05 a.m. – Johnson delivers inspirational address to 200 youths selected by local service agencies at the Best Buy Rotunda at Mall of America Best Buy Grand Opening Celebration featuring the New Kids on the Block 5:30 p.m. – New Kids on the Block perform and sign autographs. Their new release "The Block” will be available on Sept. 2 and contains the hit singles Summertime and Single (featuring Ne-Yo). Fans can obtain a limited edition autograph pass which secures their place in the autograph line beginning at 10 a.m. with the pre-order of the band’s new release "The Block”. Monday, August 11 Best Buy Madden NFL Tailgate Party and Debut of the Best Buy '08 Madden Challenge 10 a.m. – Presale Madden NFL ‘09 at Best Buy kiosk in Best Buy Rotunda at Mall of America 2 p.m. – Tailgate Party at Best Buy Rotunda at Mall of America! Multiple gaming stations provide fans early access to play Madden NFL 09 prior to release Play Madden NFL '09 on a 65" plasma in the Best Buy Lounge Appearances by Vikings legends Joey Browner, Robert Griffith and John Randle Viking Cheerleader performances Live music by Quiet Drive and PopRocks! Midnight – Madden NFL ‘09 game release at Best Buy store Saturday, August 16 Best Buy Twins Players Event 7 p.m. Appearances by player Carlos Gomez and legend Harmon Killebrew -- Autograph signing and photo opportunity About Best Buy Co., Inc. With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe and China, Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. The Best Buy Co., Inc. family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $40 billion annual revenue and includes brands such as Best Buy, Audiovisions, The Carphone Warehouse, Future Shop, Geek Squad, Jiangsu Five Star, Magnolia Audio Video, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers, and Speakeasy. Approximately 150,000 employees apply their talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life for customers through retail locations, multiple call centers and web sites, in-home solutions, product delivery and in our communities. Community partnership is central to the way we do business at Best Buy. In fiscal 2008, we donated a combined $31.8 million to improve the vitality of the communities where our employees and customers live and work. For more information about Best Buy Co., Inc., visit www.bestbuyinc.com. About Mall of America Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex. The 4.2 million square foot complex is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's largest indoor family amusement park; Underwater Adventures(r) Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-though aquarium; a 14-screen movie theater and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. For more information visit www.mallofamerica.com Editors/Producers Note: Per Mall of America Media Policy, media must be approved and badged while in the mall. Media interested in covering these events should contact newscenter@bestbuy.com to request credentials. Approved media will be advised and must check in at the East Guest Services desk. They must check-in with their credentials at the desk to obtain a media badge. Security will ask media without badges to leave the premises. Special arrangements can be made for live shots – please notify newscenter@bestbuy.com 48 hours in advance so your request can be coordinated with appropriate personnel.