Yesterday afternoon, the world was shocked to learn of the untimely passing of Heath Ledger. Remembered for roles as varied as Patrick Verona in the teen-comedy 10 Things I Hate About You and Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain (for which Ledger earned a Lead-Actor Oscar nomination), the 28-year old was a talented and beloved thespian who possibly struggled with staggering demons. His final bow will be taken in the iconic role of Batman villain The Joker, in The Dark Knight. The movie, a production of Time Warner (NYSE: TWX)'s Warner Brothers, still carries a release date of June 18.
A Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) location in San Diego reportedly responded to this bulletin by seizing the marketing opportunities. A black-and-white sign, propped in front of a display of Ledger films such as Brokeback and Lords of Dogtown, asks shoppers to "Remember a great actor through his great performances." While it is a nice sentiment to honor Ledger at the prime of his career, VH1's Best Week Ever asks (and I have to agree with them) -- is this sort of tribute "too soon?"
Beth Gaston Moon is an analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research.











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-23-2008 @ 4:45PM
s said...
Best Buy is using the death of Heath Ledger to sell product from their shelves. In very poor taste. His death is tragic, and its sad that stores are trying to cash in.
1-27-2008 @ 9:59PM
Mike said...
My heart goes out to his little one and his family and friends I can only imagine how difficult this is for them, I wish them all the strength in the world to go on, and keep his memory alive, to remember all the beautiful memories, to always remind Matilda what a loving father she had most power to them now and ever. He is really a great all-around actor. His role in Brokeback Mountain was definitely a breakthrough for him. But my favorite is "Candy". Really enjoy every minute of it even on DVD: http://dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=79945&ru=279 , Thanks for all the great memories Sweetheart! God bless you! Always miss you!!!
1-24-2008 @ 8:06PM
rodney culver said...
Please keep in mind that this is a single store's reaction and not the chain. As one of their employee's there was no company directive to do such a thing.
1-25-2008 @ 11:45PM
paladinlsc said...
Bestbuy is typical of the non-professional leadership not only in the stores but in store management. Ccity may be struggling but they have never offended like this. BBY even holds discerning customers in a kind of choke hold by not inviting them to there sales or make them dance when returning items. They are the "soup nazis" of electronics. Do not shop here to prove they are not the electronic juggernaught they think they are. G-d bless the Ledger family~