Best Buy starts offering free shipping for the holiday season

Best Buy has caught the Walmart bug. What we mean to say is that Best Buy has decided Walmart's plan to offer free shipping for the holidays is such a good idea that the retailer has done the same. Until December 21, which by the way is one day later than Walmart's deal, BestBuy.com will feature free online shipping.

The offer is valid on hundreds of thousands of items, including all CDs, Blu-rays, DVD movies, as well as gaming software and accessories. While Walmart's free shipping promotion includes all electronics, Best Buy is excluding laptops, netbooks, iPads, iPods, game hardware, Dynex TVs, appliances, and other various items that require scheduled delivery. Best Buy also recently launched an enhanced Store Pickup Plus program, which includes benefits such as same-day pick-up in-store at no additional cost.

"We know consumers are looking for value and convenience this holiday season, and we're continuing to provide them with exciting ways to improve their shopping experience," John Thompson, senior vice president and general manager of BestBuy.com, said in a statement. "With free shipping and Store Pickup Plus, in addition to our wide selection of must-have technology gifts, competitive prices and round the clock service, we're giving our customers more choices than ever to complete their holiday shopping with ease."