Best Buy to become first independent U.S. chain to sell iPhones

Add a feather to Best Buy's cap. Starting Sept. 7, the electronics retail giant will become the first independent U.S. chain of stores to sell Apple's iPhone, according to the Associated Press.The iPhone 3G, which sells for $199 and $299 (depending on the memory) and comes with a two-year wireless service plan, is currently available in the U.S. only at Apple and AT&T stores. AT&T is the iPhone's U.S. carrier.

The announcement comes as Best Buy has finished revamping its mobile phone operation, training employees and updating computer systems so that cellphones can be quickly activated. Best Buy already sells Apple's Mac computers and and iPod media players.

Although its profit slipped in the last quarter, Best Buy appears strong as competitors such as Circuit City and CompUSA have struggled.

And what does Best Buy do for Apple? The company, which appears to have worked through its iPhone shortage problems, expands its reach to the chain's more than 970 stores.

-- Michelle Quinn

Photo of a Best Buy store in cooler weather by nafmo via Flickr