As it continues its mission to implement innovative channel strategies for its partners, Sprint (NYSE: S) took time out to be recognized as a valued partner by Best Buy. Sprint received the Best Buy Bravo! Award for outstanding vendor performance in the wireless category, and was the only wireless carrier to be recognized. Best Buy presents the annual award to 25 of its partners for their contributions to the retailer's success. Sprint's Bravo Award covers an entire domain ? all post-paid carriers, pay-and-go, wireless accessories and mobile virtual network operators (MVNO). The Bravo! Award was presented to Sprint on May 22, 2007, at an event honoring the winners.
"This was truly a company-wide effort that demonstrates our commitment to reinvigorating our distribution channels within Sprint," said David Bottoms, vice president-National Retailers for Sprint. "Our indirect sales and distribution team was instrumental in fostering our current relationship with Best Buy and continues to implement programs that make our partnership beneficial to both companies."
Sprint attained the distinction as Best Buy's top vendor partially because of some ground-breaking initiatives that included exclusive handset offers for the Motorola RED RAZR and MotoSLVR; and being the first carrier to launch Instant Upgrade rebates in their channel.
Winners were selected from various criteria including year-over-year revenue growth, gross margin return on inventory, share of Best Buy's business within the category, shipping performance, cost control and return on investment. Vendors were also recognized for marketing savvy, responsiveness, speed to market, innovation and support of Best Buy values.