News: Best Buy in Rotherham set to close as owner pulls the plug

Best Buy's 45,000 sq ft store at Parkgate in Rotherham is set to close by the end of the calendar year, putting around 100 jobs at risk.

Best Buy Europe announced that all 11 of their UK stores would close but stated that it is confident that it will be able to offer alternative roles to the large majority of the employees affected, within other areas of its UK business.

Best Buy accounts for around 21% of the U.S. consumer electronics market and the family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $45 billion in annual revenue.

Best Buy joined with Carphone Warehouse in 2008 to create Best Buy Europe, and to launch the Best Buy brand in the UK. They have been operating 11 "Big Box" stores on a trial basis but they have not been profitable.

In fact, the business incurred operating losses of £62m in the year ended March 31 2011 and £47m in the six months to September 30 2011. The company's board estimate that the group's share of the total net cash investment from the failed venture will be in the region of £100m.

Roger Taylor, CEO of Carphone Warehouse, said: "The eleven Best Buy UK "Big Box" stores have performed exceptionally at the level of customer satisfaction, but they do not have the national reach to achieve scale and brand economies.

"Due to the lack of visibility of an acceptable rate of return on historical and future potential investment we have decided against rolling out more "Big Box" stores and we will be closing our existing stores, subject to consultation with our employees.

"Our immediate focus is our people and we are confident that the large majority will be offered alternative positions elsewhere in our UK business."

The first Best Buy store in Yorkshire opened in Rotherham in June, taking the former Homebase store at Parkgate Shopping. It created around 100 new jobs.

The intention is to complete the closure of all stores by the end of the calendar year and the group is to focus on their Carphone Warehouse stores.

Andrew Harrison, CEO of Best Buy Europe, said: "After conducting a thorough strategic review of our operations, we believe that our capital investment and "connectivity" strategy should be prioritised within our Carphone Warehouse stores as they offer a higher and proven rate of return.

"The technology world has changed substantially since 2008 and we are confident we will best serve our customers by investing in a single brand and format rather than two.

"We are very proud of our Best Buy team members. They have been exceptionally committed and have delivered fantastic customer service. Our immediate focus is on ensuring that they are offered new opportunities within Carphone Warehouse and Geek Squad, where they will help us deliver a best-in-class customer experience."

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News: Best Buy opens in Rotherham

Best Buy opened the doors to its long-awaited, new 45,000 sq ft store in Rotherham last week.

General Manager Steve Cooke was joined by Richard Finney, secretary of local charity R Children's Trust for the ribbon cutting before the queue of excited shoppers made its way into the store at 9am.

First in line at Parkgate Shopping was Dan Bushell from Clifton, who started queuing before 2am on Friday morning to be the first in the store. Leading from the front, Dan picked up a bargain flat screen TV, laptop and iPod dock, all special deals in the three day Grand Opening weekend at the store. Meanwhile lucky Rina Morris picked up a spot £500 Best Buy voucher for her early morning queue efforts.

Best Buy's £3,000 charity donation was accepted by Richard for the newly established R Children's Trust. The local charity is dedicated to providing support for young people in the borough of Rotherham who are either currently looked after or in the process of leaving the care system. The charity ensures looked after children are able to develop skills, capacities and capabilities that enable them to fully participate in society and enjoy independence by providing tangible support and purposeful activities.

Steve Cooke, General Manager at Best Buy Rotherham, said: "Just before we cut the ribbon the whole team gathered outside the store to countdown to 9am, and the crowd were really getting involved! It was great to see so many people come out early in the morning to support the new store."

As part of the grand opening, American singer, Alexis Jordan (pictured) entertained the crowds with 2010 X Factor finalist Paige Richardson on Saturday.

Best Buy joined with Carphone Warehouse in 2008 to create Best Buy Europe, and to launch the Best Buy brand in the UK. The Rotherham store is the first in Yorkshire and Best Buy will operate 11 stores by the end of the year.

In a trading update today Best Buy UK announced EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) losses of £62m, up from £21m in 2010, reflecting significant investment in developing the brand following launch and the opening of new stores.

Roger Taylor, CEO of Carphone Warehouse Group plc, said: "The execution of these openings has been impressive, and we are delighted with the customer feedback. Following this launch period, we are in the process of evaluating the next steps in our multi-format/multi-channel consumer electronics strategy."

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News: Best Buy Rotherham ready to go

Finishing touches are being applied at Best Buy's newest store in Rotherham, ready for the grand opening this weekend.

The shelves are being stacked at the 45,000 sq ft store at Parkgate Shopping which will showcase the best in home cinema equipment, computing technology, entertainment devices, appliances, mobiles, music, movies and games.

The store has created around 100 jobs and the latest local recruits have made it into the American company's "Blue Shirt Academy" after a nine week period of extensive training on the latest consumer technology.

Partners in Rotherham have also worked together on a trial scheme to help some staff work towards gaining an Apprenticeship including an NVQ in a number of subjects within retail management including; Customer Service, Business Administration, Hospitality and Logistics.


The Blue Crew, complete with the Best Buy Bus, has been on the streets in the local area advertising the opening weekend that will see a number of discounts and offers plus American singer, Alexis Jordan is set to entertain the crowds on Saturday.

To mark the occasion, Best Buy will be making a £3,000 charity donation to R Children's Trust, a new local charity established to help Rotherham looked after children and care leavers.

Richard Finney, secretary of R Children's Trust, who will cut the ribbon to mark the opening, said: "Many children in care cannot always easily access the activities and opportunities that some of us take for granted, or indeed that we can and do provide for our families. R Children's Trust will look to help these children and young people in a very positive way. This is why donations like this from Best Buy are important to us as it helps us provide continued support for the children that need it."

Steve Cooke, general manager at Best Buy Rotherham, added: Supporting local charities is important to Best buy but it also means a lot to the team at Best Buy Rotherham to support our local community and see the difference our help can make.

"R Children's Trust is a new charity with a great vision and we hope that through charitable donations they are able to have a long and successful future in our town."

Best Buy accounts for around 21% of the U.S. consumer electronics market and the family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $45 billion in annual revenue.

Best Buy joined with Carphone Warehouse in 2008 to create Best Buy Europe, and to launch the Best Buy brand in the UK. They recently celebrated one year since it first successfully opened its doors to the UK market. The Rotherham store is the first in Yorkshire and Best Buy will operate 11 stores by the end of the year.

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News: Success for 100 in 100 Apprenticeships campaign in Rotherham

A new initiative to increase the number of Apprenticeships in South Yorkshire has proved to be a big success.

The National Apprenticeship Service and the Rotherham Work and Skills Board launched the "100 in 100" Apprenticeship campaign in February with the aim of 100 local companies committing to recruit or start to train 100 apprentices in 100 days.

At a recent celebration event organised by one of the training providers involved, Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT), it was announced that 130 employers had committed to the scheme.


The celebration event was held within the college’s Wharncliffe Restaurant at the Town Centre Campus and created a fantastic opportunity for the partners and participating employers to discuss their experience and to congratulate one another on exceeding the target with 130 employers committed to the scheme.

Mike Long from the National Apprenticeship Service who thanked the partners for all their support. He said: "The search goes on. There is a strong government commitment to apprenticeships and it is important that employer engagement continues.

"Apprenticeships are not quick fix solution. It is about growing the workforce of tomorrow and developing apprentices to become the leaders of tomorrow."

Rotherham employers Wilmott Dixon Partnerships and Best Buy Rotherham shared their views on apprenticeship recruitment. Sharon Isles, training manager for Wilmott Dixon Partnerships said: "The 100 in 100 campaign was a brilliant initiative that should be available every year. Without the work of the National Apprenticeship Service and the colleges, many companies would be unsure of how to recruit an apprentice.

"Apprentices are important for the future workforce and create a fantastic benefit for business of all sizes, not just large companies.

"We have some fantastic young people working with us. All of our apprentices will have the opportunity to develop greater than they ever would have ever aspired to. We recruit a strong workforce and we treat them like the best so that they will later become the best."

Steve Cooke, general manager, Best Buy Rotherham, added: "Our culture is dedicated to ensuring that our people grow and develop. Rotherham College of Arts and Technology indentified the culture we have and how important it was to embrace that."

RCAT worked with both companies in the recruitment of apprentices. Natalie Davies, business development manager at RCAT said: "The campaign supported Rotherham College of Arts and Technology recruit 77 Apprentices, ranging from Engineering to Business Administration, proving there are life changing opportunities out there for motivated individuals looking to progress their careers.

"We are now busy recruiting Apprentices over the summer months and would advise any employer looking to recruit to consider Apprenticeships as an ideal route to recruit enthusiastic and committed staff."

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News: Best Buy dive head first into Rotherham

New recruits at Best Buy at Parkgate Shopping, Rotherham took a leap of faith recently by bungee jumping for a local charity.

Organised in partnership with Rotherham's training provider The Source Skills Academy the trio aim to raised hundreds of pounds, for the local charity Bluebell Wood by bungee jumping dressed as superheroes.

To mark the June opening of Best Buy, the world's leading technology store, the retailer has shown its community spirit by appointing three of their customer and product specialists; Laura Whitworth, Jonny Gascoigne and Pauline Hepburn to participate in a 150ft plunge that was held at the Abyss at Magna.

Peter Bryant, Departmental Manager at Best Buy Rotherham said: "This is a great joint initiative between The Source and Best Buy in Rotherham. Not only is this a great sense of achievement for the individuals involved, but it also gives Best Buy an opportunity to support such a worthy cause. It was great to see our guys taking the plunge dressed as superheroes."

Mike Denby, Business Communication Manager at The Source Skills Academy, added: "Best Buy is a great example of a national organisation that is passionate about supporting the local community. We have been working with Best Buy in recent months to train their staff prior to opening the new Rotherham store and are pleased to be working with such a community orientated retailer."

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News: Best Buy Rotherham set for June opening

Leading consumer electronics retailer, Best Buy, are set to open their new Rotherham store in June.

The 45,000 sq ft store at Parkgate Shopping is the first in Yorkshire and has created around 100 jobs.

Best Buy accounts for around 21% of the U.S. consumer electronics market and the family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $45 billion in annual revenue.

Best Buy joined with Carphone Warehouse in 2008 to create Best Buy Europe, and to launch the Best Buy brand in the UK. They recently opened stores in Hayes and Bristol and this weekend celebrated one year since it first successfully opened its doors to the UK market. Best Buy will operate 11 stores by the end of the year.

The Rotherham store will showcase the best in home cinema equipment, computing technology, entertainment devices, appliances, mobiles, music, movies and games. Best Buy Blueshirts – the in-store team – will also be on hand to help make buying technology easier by providing tailored and impartial advice.

Denis Copeland, centre manager at Parkgate Shopping said: "Best Buy is an exciting new addition to Parkgate Shopping which continues to evolve to offer the best possible experience for the local community.

"With other openings coming soon and the planned arrival of a new Frankie & Benny's restaurant later this year, there will be further employment and training opportunities for local people."

Currys Megastore, ASDA Living, Maplin and the Frankie and Benny's restaurant could create another 150 jobs at the park.

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News: Best Buy take on apprentices in Rotherham

Best Buy UK is working on a one-store trial basis with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), training providers The Source Skills Academy and Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT), to deliver qualifications and develop the skills of the team working in the Rotherham store.

Opening in June, the store at Parkgate Shopping has created around 100 new jobs in the town and the training will help any employees participating in the trial scheme to work towards gaining an Apprenticeship including an NVQ in a number of subjects within retail management including; Customer Service, Business Administration, Hospitality and Logistics.

The Best Buy initiative was inspired by the Rotherham "100 in 100" National Apprenticeship Service campaign which is running across South Yorkshire with the aim of 100 local companies committing to recruit or start to train 100 apprentices in 100 days.

Steve Cooke, general manager at Best Buy Rotherham, said: "We're really looking forward to opening our doors to the public in June, and working with all the partners involved in this initiative is a really great way for us to nurture and support talented local people.

"Participating employees from Best Buy will be given the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications while working, providing practical and functional skills to support them in their daily roles and future career."

Mike Long, Employer Services Manager at NAS added: "We are delighted that Best Buy has committed to realising the business benefits of Apprenticeships by deciding to train many of their new employees at Rotherham as apprentices, in order to develop the skills of the workforce and to support the growth ambitions of the company.

"We look forward to working with and supporting Best Buy to help make the Apprenticeship trial a success."

Mike Denby, business communication manager at The Source, said: "Best Buy is a great example of a local company, with global reach, which values the importance of apprentices within an organisation. The aim of the scheme is to produce shining stars who will be the Retail Managers of the future.

"At The Source, we are fortunate to be able to work with such a fresh and innovative company, supporting their objectives for the future."

Paul Edwards, business advisor, RCAT commented: "Rotherham College of Arts and Technology are keen to support Best Buy in inspiring their staff to achieve qualifications which will provide practical and theoretical skills.

"The Apprenticeship framework also includes numeracy and literacy support and provides a rounded employee. Strengthening the skills of staff members will support the organisation grow and achieve its business goals."

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News: Best Buy chooses Rotherham for new store

Best Buy, a leading consumer electronics retailer, has announced that it will open a new store in Rotherham.

The 45,000 sq ft store will be situated at Parkgate Shopping and is set to open in Spring/Summer 2011. It is expected to create around 100 jobs.

Best Buy accounts for around 21% of the U.S. consumer electronics market and the family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $45 billion in annual revenue.

With over 1,000 stores in the US and 300 across Canada, China and Europe, Best Buy currently employs approximately 180,000 people worldwide.

Best Buy joined with Carphone Warehouse in 2008 to create Best Buy Europe, and to launch the Best Buy brand in the UK. They currently have four stores open in the UK, with two more stores opening this Autumn, followed by five more including Rotherham in 2011.

In the stores the range available includes audio and visual equipment, computing technology, entertainment devices, appliances, mobiles, music, movies, games, and the connections – including fixed and mobile broadband – content and services to really enable customers to get the most out of their technology.

Positions will be available across the store, including store management, department managers and a variety of sales, operations, merchandising, asset protection and administration roles. Vacancies will also be available for a number of "Geek Squad Agents", to provide customers with 24 hour technology support services.

Paul Minett, District Manager for Best Buy UK said: "I'm excited that we'll be opening Best Buy stores in more new areas of the UK, ensuring that people that live and work near Hayes, Rotherham and Enfield will soon be able to experience why we're a different kind of consumer electronics retailer."

"We'll start recruiting for enthusiastic store colleagues for the Rotherham and Hayes stores at the end of this year, with our search for colleagues beginning next year for the store in Enfield. Team members will be enrolled in Best Buy's nine week "Blueshirt Academy" where they will receive training on the latest consumer technology and develop skills for offering personalised, intelligent and impartial service."

Vision Express moved into Parkgate Shopping last month and owners, British Land have been working on plans to bring ASDA Living and Maplins Electronics to Parkgate, and combine PC World and Currys into a Currys Megastore.

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