Best Buy announces free next-day delivery during holiday season

Best Buy has thrown down the gauntlet to its competition by announcing free next-day delivery on most of its products throughout the holiday season.

The Richfield retailer says that 99 percent of its customers will be able to take advantage of the offer, with no minimum purchase and no membership required.

If an item doesn't qualify for next-day delivery, it will still qualify for free standard shipping.

It marks a shift from Best Buy ahead of the holiday season. Last year, it followed Target in offering free shipping with no minimum purchase, but couldn't guarantee the speed of delivery whereas Target's was 2-day shipping.

Now it's hoping to offer greater speed and convenience during the holiday rush, though has noted that some of its bigger items, namely big-screen TVs and large appliances, won't be available for next-day delivery.

The electronics giant also offers same-day delivery in 42 metro areas including the Twin Cities, which costs an extra $5.99, along with curbside pickup and store pickup from local Best Buys.

The company said last week that it was able to offer free next-day delivery thanks to modernizations it's made to its supply chain, according to the Star Tribune.

Best Buy is not resting on its laurels ahead of the holidays, having already taken the step of offering Black Friday prices to its members well in advance of the busiest shopping day of the year.