Sears, Best Buy Begin Pre-Super Bowl Sales

By Alan Wolf -- TWICE, 1/20/2011

Hoffman Estates, Ill. - Sears and Best Buy are getting a jump on the Super Bowl by kicking off a series of TV promotions in advance of the big game.

"With the playoffs in full swing and the championship game right around the corner, Sears is offering great discounts on a number of HDTVs for fans," the retailer said. The sale, which begins Jan. 23 and runs through Jan. 29, includes a 60-inch Sony Bravia 1080p 120Hz LCD TV for $1,700 reduced from $2,500; Samsung's 40-inch Touch of Color ultra-slim 1080p LED TV, bundled with a free Blu-ray Disc player and wireless adapter, for only $750, reduced from a $1,460 bundle; and LG's 50-inch Zenith-branded 720p plasma TV for $550, reduced from $700.

To sweeten the deals, Sears is also providing in-store pick-up for online orders, and a four-year extended payment plan on purchases of $750 or more.

Meanwhile, Best Buy is offering three-year interest-free terms on home-theater purchases of $899 and more, plus its "lowest advertised prices" on a 60-inch Sharp 1080p, 120Hz LCD ($1,200, down from $1,700); a 42-inch Samsung 720p plasma ($470, down from $600); and a 32-inch Panasonic 720p, 60Hz LCD ($300, down from $450).

The deals, good through Jan. 22, are touted in Best Buy's weekly circular, which boasts: "The best brands for the big game -- bring 'em home with great financing."

TV Super Bowl sales should kick into high gear following this weekend's conference championship playoffs.