Best Buy Set To Sell Apple iPhone Starting in September

The retailer Wednesday will disclose that it will begin selling the new 3G iPhone at its 970 domestic stores starting September 7, Reuters is reporting.

The move marks a major expansion of Apple's channel strategy for the iPhone. Until now, the Cupertino, Calif.-based vendor has only sold its iPhone direct and via ATandT retail stores. Phones sold through Best Buy will still require a two-year contract with ATandT, Apple's exclusive wireless carrier partner for iPhone.

"It solidifies us as the place to go for the cool stuff," Best Buy Mobile President Shawn Score said in an interview with Reuters. "Our customers are looking for this product."

Score said the addition of the iPhone to Best Buy's shelves will have a big impact on the retailer's holiday sales.

"We do believe that broadening our assortment and having iPhone in our stores is certainly going to be very important" heading into the holiday season, Score said.

The relationship with Apple represents the latest step by Best Buy to expand its business. The company earlier this week said it plans to sell electronics and gadgets to customers via kiosks to in airports. In July, Best Buy unveiled plans to open music centers inside 75 to 85 stores to sell musical instruments.