Chris Havens

By Chris Havens Lifestyle

22 Jun: Best Buy, University of Arizona partner on future of retail

In late April, a group of University of Arizona students stood before an audience of Best Buy omnichannel leaders and presented recommendations on how to improve two areas of our business.

It was the culmination of a yearlong project in which nine students researched, analyzed and strategized new approaches for Best Buy’s large-product fulfillment and repair program, and how to engage customers on the Best Buy app more regularly. They worked with dozens of Best Buy employees along the way.

“The students in the program are driven, curious and professional,” said Courtney Capeling, vice president of omnichannel human resources.

By Chris Havens Company News

22 Mar: Here’s How Curbside Pickup Works At Best Buy To Get Your Tech Essentials

We know our customers depend on Best Buy for the technology necessities valuable during this time when people need to stay home because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. That’s why we’re adapting to a new way of making our stores accessible while keeping things safe for our customers and employees: contactless curbside pickup.

As of Sunday, March 22, customers are no longer allowed inside Best Buy stores. Our employees, however, will bring products ordered on BestBuy.com, through our app or over the phone, out to vehicles.

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By Chris Havens Company News

28 Feb: Best Buy ranked No. 3 in training for second year in a row

Best Buy customers expect our employees to ask the right questions and recommend the right solutions. It takes training — lots of it — to be able to provide that kind of knowledgeable service.

That’s why Best Buy offers extensive learning and development programs, in a variety of formats, for employees at all levels. Last year, our people completed nearly 20 million online learning sessions, and our classroom trainings reached more than 100,000 employees. It’s simple: Learning is part of our culture.

By Chris Havens Company News

23 Sep: Corie Barry named to Fortune’s list of Most Powerful Women

Fortune magazine announced on Monday that Best Buy CEO Corie Barry made its list of the Most Powerful Women in Business. She is No. 18 on the prestigious ranking.

It’s Corie’s first time on the annual list, which looks at a business’ size, its importance in the global economy and its health and direction. Also considered are career arc and social and cultural influence. Only 50 women in the United States were selected, and Corie is the youngest.

Corie became CEO in June, and she’s one of the youngest women to hold the role among Fortune 500 companies.

By Chris Havens Community Relations Company News

20 Sep: What did they do this summer? Learned career skills

When the summer started, Teri Jones and Ted Ritts were shy. Super shy, they’d say.

But an internship — organizing a community block party for Level Up Studios, a nonprofit creative arts center in northeast Pittsburgh — would help with that. Over the summer, the pair would need to line up sponsors, ask for donations, schedule food and entertainment, and navigate the city permitting process. That meant talking to strangers, being persuasive and, on occasion, getting comfortable being told “no.”

By Chris Havens Company News Diversity and Inclusion Sustainability

24 May: At Best Buy, Pride is part of our business

We have a motto at Best Buy: You can be yourself here.

We want to create a culture that’s inclusive, embraces people’s differences and reflects our customer base.

That means creating a welcoming and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) employees. We do that through employee groups, benefits and resources. And, with Pride Month in June, we celebrate with our employees, customers and communities.

“At Best Buy, we believe an inclusive environment allows our employees to bring their best selves forward.

By Chris Havens Lifestyle

08 Apr: A Completed Marathon on Every Continent, She’s Running for a Reason

After 6 hours and four minutes slogging through mud on a hilly, barren landscape, Karen Hohertz crossed the finish line to complete her marathon in Antarctica.

Those final steps, taken with tears in her eyes and pride in her heart, marked the completion of her goal to run 26.2 miles on every continent. It was a challenge she took on less than a decade ago.

“It was amazing, super fulfilling,” said Karen, who has worked at Best Buy for 30 years.

By Chris Havens Company News

05 Mar: Gender equality is a priority at Best Buy

In the U.S., women make up 51 percent of the population. Yet across the country, men hold a disproportionate share of senior-level roles in companies.

Best Buy is working hard to change that — at all levels of our business. Through recruiting and hiring, mentoring programs and resources, we’re creating a culture of gender equality.

“In growing transformational leaders, our commitment to diversity delivers shared success for our company and communities,” said Hubert Joly, Best Buy’s chairman and CEO.

That commitment is not only the right thing to do, it’s good for business.

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