Magnolia Audio Video
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Magnolia Audio Video | |
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| Type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1954 |
| Headquarters | Kent, WA |
| Key people | Len Tweten, Founder Jim Tweten, President |
| Industry | Retail |
| Products | Consumer electronics |
| Employees | 700 |
| Parent | Best Buy |
| Slogan | beyond seeing. beyond hearing. beyond all expectations. |
| Website | www.magnoliaav.com |
Magnolia Audio Video is a specialty consumer electronics retailer based in Washington. It currently operates 20 standalone stores throughout Washington, Oregon, and California, as well as over 200 smaller Magnolia Home Theater stores, which are located within Best Buy stores in select markets.
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[edit] History
In 1954, Len Tweten began the enterprise that was to become Magnolia Audio Video. Originally called "Magnolia Stationers and Camera Shop," the business got its name from the Magnolia district of Seattle, Washington, where the first store was located.
As the years passed, Len's love of music and his enthusiasm for the new field of high fidelity audio grew. By the mid-1960s, the transition to audio specialty business was complete.
[edit] Partnership with Best Buy
In December 2000, Magnolia Hi-Fi, as it was then known, was acquired by Best Buy as an independently-operated, wholly owned subsidiary. Magnolia currently operates over 100 smaller Magnolia Home Theater stores within select Best Buy locations. These stores offer a slightly reduced selection of products and services when compared to their larger counterparts, while retaining Magnolia's dedication to quality and customer service.
In Summer 2003, the company changed its name from Magnolia Hi-Fi to Magnolia Audio Video, in order to reflect the new era of electronic entertainment.
[edit] Awards and Recognition
Magnolia has won numerous awards, including Audio/Video International Magazine's "Retailers of the Year" award (which it won for 22 consecutive years). In addition, Magnolia Audio Video is the recipient of TV Guide's "Hall of Fame" award and Dealerscope Merchandising Magazine's "Pride Award."
