• November 4, 2009

To boost enthusiasm about the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, Best Buy is bringing back its "Black Friday VIP" contest.

In exchange for winning 250-word essays on why they can't wait to shop this year, VIPs in 25 key markets will get the red-carpet treatment, including a limo ride to the store, early entry to the store at 4:30 am, a $1,000 gift card, and a free camcorder to record the event.

Additional promotions will include mystery gift cards handed out to the first 50 people to enter the store in key markets, and a text-to-win game in which consumers text shopping survival tips for chances to win a new smartphone.--Sarah Mahoney