News
BEST BUY: MI departments roll out as UK plans are laid
Rob Hughes Jul 30 2008, 11:54am
Comments (4)
US giant to stock MI products nationally in the States as deal with Carphone Warehouse leads to plans for four UK branches
Best Buy, the leading US consumer electronics retailer, has confirmed that it will begin offering musical instruments and musical recording equipment at an additional 75 to 85 Best Buy stores across the US and online.
The range will include more than 1,000 guitar, bass, drum, keyboard and recording products, as well as other musical instruments and accessories, at both entry level and professional price points.
“The introduction of musical instruments is a natural progression for Best Buy,” explained Steve Hehir, senior vice president of musical instruments for Best Buy. “Consumers have always looked to us as a resource for music in a variety of formats. Now they’ll be able to rely on us for help with musical performance and creating too.”
Existing as a 'store within a store' Best Buy musical instrument locations will feature trained musical instrument specialists. In addition to retail sales, Best Buy musical instrument stores will offer group and individual guitar lessons.
Earlier this month, Intent Media’s UK-based PC Retail magazine reported that Carphone Warehouse had confirmed that its shareholders had approved a 50 per cent purchase by the American firm and that the formation of the new company would mean Best Buy is now set to enter the UK market within the next six months.
The publication then followed this up with a report just over a week ago, which revealed the first four Best Buy stores to arrive in Britain will be located at Bath Road retail park, Slough, Two Rivers retail park, Staines, Thurrock retail park, Essex and Enfield retail park. In its online story, dated July 21, it added:
“There are also indications that the retailer is looking at a central London location – possibly Regent Street – for a flagship store, with initial speculation suggesting that its eye might have been on Zavvi's Piccadilly Circus store, although Zavvi was quick to play down that rumour.”
At this stage, it is unclear as to whether Best Buy will incorporate MI departments into its planned UK outlets.
MI Pro will bring you more news as it becomes available.
pcretailmag.com
Comments
“best buy”
Posted by: george o - Jul 30, 12:47pm
Nothing to worry about with Best buys, they don't yet realise how small the UK retail market is for MI, and the incredibly low margins. When they do their homework, like Dixons in the past, they will not retail MI here, if they do it will be very short lived.
“Re: best buy”
Posted by: EVIL R CRONIS - Jul 30, 3:09pm
Why do the Septics think the streets (in a musical context) are paved with gold over here?
'Those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat its
mistakes'...or words to that effect.
This industry will always bring the smart arses down to earth.
I give you Sound control, Oxford St.
'Can I get 1000 free notes and web access on this guitar?'
“Re: Re: Best Buy”
Posted by: Pete Gamber - Alta Loma Music CA,USA - Jul 30, 9:48pm
I operate 2 stores that are within 15 to 30minutes of the California stores (and 6 Guitar Centers & Sam Ash's) - This is an interesting development for the MI industry!! It's interesting that it may affect the UK!!
The UK does have the advantage to plan ahead for this (or those pesky threats of Guitar Center) If you are interested I would be interested in providing an American's perspective on this situation. I write for Music inc (USA) magazine.
“Re: Re: Re: Best Buy”
Posted by: Andy Barrett - Jul 31, 11:57am
Hi Pete,
Have a word with Zach about this - we have already begun discussions
cheers
ab