Circuit City

Full review
We have a local Circuit City so rarely have the need to purchase something from their website. Recently we found an item on sale that they didn't have in stock at our local store so we placed an order online.

Website
The website is very easy to navigate. Simply pick a topic from the main page or type the name in the search box. The options are broken down further by search features such as category, price, brand, type, etc.

Circuit City's prices are competitive, but usually a great deal when items are on sale. We've made purchases for odd things that we didn't expect to find on their site like an entertainment center, video game items and Sirius radio supplies.

Another reason why I favor this site is because it has customer ratings on the site. Nothing is more important when I'm purchasing electronics which generally can't be tried out or returned. The site also offers Consumer Reports information on how to shop for items.

Shipping
I really loved the shipping options. I had the option to have the item shipped to my local store and I could pick it up there for free. I also had the option for free standard shipping to my home. Being winter, I had it shipped to our house. The item was for a gift so I payed the extra $8 for FedEx 2-day delivery which I thought was a good deal considering how heavy the box was.

Tracking
I received an email that the order had been placed, and then another email to let me know that the order had been shipped. The email actually went to my junk mail account so check there if you don't receive it.

I was able to log onto my account and reprint receipts and see the tracking number from there.

Returns
I really loved choosing Circuit City when I needed to return a defective item (no fault of Circuit City's) because I just took it to the return desk at the local store and didn't have to fool with the shipping or waiting. I logged onto my account and reprinted a receipt. I took the printed receipt to the service desk and had a no-hassle return.

Online returns require obtaining a RA (Return Authorization) number. The item can not be returned without a RA number. Buyer is responsible for return shipping.

Online Sales Ad
I visit the website on a weekly basis to see their sales add or to check price comparisons. The Weekly Ad link can be found on the top left corner, directly under their logo. It is the same ad that would be found in the Sunday Circular.

Their front page also has a list of 5 specials that they're running. I found a good deal on a Valentine's present this year from this selection on their main page which was not advertised in stores. The item had sold out by the end of the day and was replaced by another great deal.

Gift Cards
I LOVE their selection of gift cards. There's a particular gift card that I have my eye on for a future purchase. It's called Color Your Own. The gift card is blank and comes with 4 metallic Crayola crayons attached to it. The buyer can create their own design. This is so original and would be super cute coming from a kid.

Another interesting birthday gift card is called DVD Birthday Gift Card. It's an interactive card.

No fuss holidays! Get a personalized gift card that comes with a personalized card. The option is under the gift cards, but is through a different site.

Gift cards can be shipped free from the website, have no fees, and it can be used in stores or online! Circuit city sells a variety of items from things as small as CD's, DVD's and video games to larger purchases and electronics. I think nearly anyone could find a cool present there and the stylish cards make a great idea. I think it's a present that most guys would love.

Overall
I think Circuit City has really changed from what I remember in the past. They have really added value with their website because it compliments their local stores much better than other places that we've shopped. I can shop from home and click the Get it today: check in-store availability link which is under the add to cart button. Everything can be squared away before arriving at the store. There's a 24 minute guarantee (some restrictions) that your order will be available to pick up within 24 minutes of receiving the confirmation email. This is really helpful because electronic stores don't always stock a huge amount of electronics. Plus, the faster I can get my husband out of the electronics's store, the better off!

The website is organized and loads quickly. I've found myself shopping at Circut City Online more than I should be.