COVID-19

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02 Sep: Geek Squad Manager Helps WWII Vet Get Reconnected

Kelvin Tolston lives every day like it could be his last because one day it almost was.

He was hit by a drunk driver 10 years ago, and the wreck almost cost him his life. He was put in a medically induced coma and lost sight in his right eye.

For Kelvin, every moment matters — and the Geek Squad manager brings that philosophy to how he treats customers, too.

“I’ve been through times I needed people to do stuff for me I couldn’t do for myself,” he said.

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18 Aug: Teen Tech Centers Connect Youth To Mentors In A Changing Environment

While schools and extracurriculars are in flux because of the pandemic, teens are still searching for ways to learn, grow and be heard. So, it has become essential for our Best Buy Teen Tech Centers — and the coordinators who run them — to find new ways to stay connected with youth.

Best Buy Teen Tech Centers are safe, after-school spaces that provide opportunities for teens to learn new tech skills, stay on track with school, gain exposure to new career possibilities and benefit from positive adult and peer relationships.

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11 Aug: Gamers Embrace Online Connections During Pandemic

As many people struggled with how to remain socially connected during a time of social distancing, Phillip England found solace in the fictional worlds — and real-life connections — of online gaming.

For Phillip, a Geek Squad Agent in Arizona, that wasn’t a big change from his routine prior to COVID-19. The avid gamer would regularly conquer missions on Arma 3, a military game that led him to collaborate with players from around the world, many of whom he now calls friends.

31 Jul: Best Buy Launches Parent Hub To Help Prep For Virtual Learning

With many states and school districts embracing distance learning because of the pandemic, many parents might soon find themselves working from home while also helping to manage their kids’ virtual schooling.

To help, we’ve launched a new Parent Hub on Best Buy.com. It’s a one-stop resource for exploring all the tech and tips you need to prepare for a new way of learning.

The site includes tech recommendations for distance learning, including laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi routers and computer accessories. Plus, there are tech tip videos and other resources that are designed to help parents’ get the most out of their tech.

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14 Jul: Best Buy Now Requiring Face Coverings For Store Customers

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise throughout the country, Best Buy is joining many retailers by requiring all customers to wear face coverings when shopping in all our stores.

We will provide a face covering if a customer doesn’t have one, and small children and those unable to wear one for health reasons may enter without one. Any customer who has a concern about wearing a mask will be able to shop Best Buy via our website and app and choose home delivery or contactless curbside pickup, which remains in place at all our stores.

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10 Jul: The Best Back-To-School Tech For Our New Normal

Preparing to go back to school is sure to look a bit different this year amid the lingering uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But regardless of whether classes happen in person or online, the latest technology will be just as essential — or more so — than ever for this new normal in the way students learn. From that essential laptop for doing your homework to instant film cameras for capturing all the memories at school, Best Buy has you covered.

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10 Jul: How To Choose The Right Laptop For Going Back To School

Best Buy experts provide helpful tips for their fellow students.

With the start of school just around the corner, it’s time for students to find the right laptop to meet their needs — whether they’ll be learning in the classroom or from home this year.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a new computer for college. But regardless of your major or how much you’re willing to spend, there are plenty of good options for everyone.

Here are some helpful tips from Best Buy employees who are doing double duty as college students.

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08 Jul: Best Buy, Google Help Canadian Seniors Connect With Loved Ones

Living in a pandemic is challenging. For many, the hardest part is being separated from loved ones.

With social distancing practices widely recommended to reduce the spread of COVID-19, a sense of isolation and loneliness can set in — especially for those who dwell in senior living communities. In many areas, visits from friends and family are temporarily prohibited or greatly restricted.

Best Buy and Google recognized this and knew technology could help people stay connected while apart. So, they teamed up to donate Google Nest Hub Max devices to more than 300 private and public senior living residences across Canada.

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09 Jun: Screen Time: When Is It Too Much?

As a kid, I remember thumbing through the printed TV listings that came with the Sunday paper to see what I didn’t want to miss that week. Back then, everything was appointment viewing — there was no DVR or on-demand.  

We also had a Nintendo console, and I’m proud to say the hours I spent defeating castles in Super Mario Bros. have paid off. Even today, I can dodge Koopa Troopas and punch coin blocks with ease. My boys watch in awe.

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09 Jun: Best Buy To Invite More Shoppers Inside Stores, No Appointment Needed

Best Buy today announced that customers soon will be able to safely and freely shop at the majority of our stores without an appointment. 

Starting June 15, more than 800 locations across the country will begin allowing a limited number of people inside. We’ll also continue to offer contactless curbside pickup and in-store consultations for those who prefer to shop that way.

“Throughout the pandemic, nothing has been more important to us than the safety of our customers and employees,” said Ray Sliva, president of retail.