Next month, iPhone fans will have another place to camp out when Apple unveils its newest phone: a Best Buy store.

The Richfield-based retailer announced today that it has inked a deal to be the only retailer outside of Apple and AT&T stores to carry the new iPhone 3G. The phones will be available at all of Best Buy's 965 U.S. stores on Sept. 7.

The timing is good for Best Buy Co. Inc., the nation's largest consumer electronics company. Like many retailers, Best Buy's sales have slumped as consumers face rising costs for food, housing and gas. A boost in September could give the retailer momentum heading into the vital holiday season.

Best Buy spokesman Jeff Dudash said the retailer has been talking to Apple for years to cut an exclusive iPhone deal. Best Buy just completed its nationwide rollout of Best Buy Mobile, a store within a store that includes specially trained salespeople on mobile phones and the often-complicated plans from carriers.

"It's really a validation of where we've been able to take our wireless operations," Dudash said. "Two years ago, this wouldn't have happened."

JACKIE CROSBY