OTHER TECH

Most people associate megachains with lots of products, lots of bargains, and lots of parking. Customer service is usually well down on the list of attributes, if it makes the list at all. So when Best Buy - the world's largest chain of consumer-electronics stores - said it was going to start emphasizing people over products, our initial reaction was, "Yeah, right." But as writer Laura Curl found when she toured the chain's San Francisco store (and we confirmed by spot-checking a number of other Best Buys around the country), the super-franchise really has its service act together (see "What's in Store: Best Buy," January 2006).

While many of the chain's recent initiatives - like personal shoppers, high-end gaming demos, and the computer-savvy Geek Squad - are intriguing, the Magnolia Home Theater store-within-a-store is especially impressive. Already available in 70 of Best Buy's 714 locations, with more being added almost monthly, the Magnolia areas offer the kind of buying experience you used to find only at smaller specialty stores. With comfortable, quiet demo rooms, knowledgeable sales staffs, and first-rate products from a variety of brands like Denon, Krell, and MartinLogan, Magnolia lets you buy high-quality systems in easy-to-find store locations. Add in-home consultations and custom installation, and you've got upscale service without the audio-salon attitude.

For showing that a big-box chain can exhibit the nimble thinking usually associated with boutique stores and for successfully executing its ambitious and innovative vision, we are pleased to recognize Best Buy and Magnolia with this special award.

View Another Editors' Choice Award Winner Product of the Year and Best Video Product: Sony KDS-R50XBR1 50-inch SXRD HDTV Best Portable: Apple iPod nano portable music player Best Network Product: Sonos Digital Music System whole-house audio network Best Audio Product: Denon AVR-5805 multiroom receiver Retail Innovation Award: Best Buy Visionary Award: Mark Cuban

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