Best Buy Opens in Malls
Best Buy Co. is opening some stand-alone stores in malls for the first time to help people better understand the range of mobile devices available, including phones, laptops and other hand helds.
The plan is to attract consumers that wouldn’t typically shop at Best Buy’s big-box stores, including women and younger shoppers, the company said.
The Best Buy Mobile stores will also offer instruction on how to use the products. They are 3,000-square feet, double the size of the existing 30 Best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores not located in malls. The big-box stores are about 4,000-square feet.
“The new Best Buy Mobile stores are based on one simple idea: technology is better when it works together,” said Shawn Score, president of Best Buy Mobile, in a statement. “Today, life happens on the go. On good days, technology helps. On bad days, the gadgets don’t work. This store is designed to help people get more from their mobile life.”
A range of services and promotions will be offered, including rebates. “Experience Zones” let customers interact with the products and learn how they work with each other. Etching machines “tattoo” mobile devices with personalized messages and photos. Dedicated “kids zones” give kids a place to play while parents shop. A Geek Squad Precinct will be located within each store for all services needs.
The stores will launch in three mall locations this month: The Mall of America in Bloomington, MN, Fair Oaks Mall, in Fairfax, VA, Woodfield Mall, in Schaumburg, IL.
