Best Buy has announced new store openings but in an entirely new format. The retailer introduced its first “digital, small format” store, which will serve customers to change consumer habits.
The new store will occupy 5,000 square feet of retail space. This is much smaller than typical “big box” stores of 38,500 square feet. The store will have a showroom with products in the most popular consumer appliance categories, including home theater and audio, computers, headphones, wearable devices, fitness, smartphones, cameras, smart home, and small appliances. However, these stores won’t have full-size appliances like the larger stores.
In the new Geek Squad area, customers will be able to get advice and setup services. The store itself will be set up to handle online orders both in-store and on the street with new lockers that will be available even after the store is closed for business.
It will work like this. If a customer wants to buy an item, they can scan the QR code of the item and pay for it on their mobile device. It will be easier if you already have a Best Buy account. Then employees will receive the order digitally and pick up the product from the warehouse to give it to customers.
Customers will also be able to use Mobile Self-checkout for smaller items such as phone cases, charging cables, and gift cards. For those who don’t want to use digital shopping, consultants will still be available to help shoppers.
Best Buy also previously had small stores. In 2021, however, the company closed all of its remaining Best Buy Mobile stores. These retail stores were even smaller and were located in malls, competing with wireless operator stores.
Best Buy’s first small store of the new format will open in Monroe, N.C. Meanwhile, in Charlotte, N.C., the company is also launching a more experience-oriented pilot store format that also features 24-hour storage, a large Geek Squad service space, and premium home theaters and luxury appliances.
