Best Buy's Getting Creative Amid Slumping Sales — But Expert Warns the Strategy Has a Major FlawConsumers stocked up on electronics at the start of the pandemic — and they're not interested in buying more right now.
ByAmanda Breen•
Best Buyenjoyed a big sales boost at the beginning of thepandemicas consumers loaded up on electronics to get them throughquarantine— but those days are over.
Now, the electronics retailer is revamping its membership program to include three different levels and lower-priced options on June 27,CNBCreported.
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The current membership program TotalTech, which debuted two years ago and cost $199.99 per year, will become the new program's top tier My Best Buy Total; soon-to-be priced at $179.99 annually, it provides 24/7 tech support, up to two years of product protection, 20% off repairs and additional benefits.
The second tier, priced at $49.99 per year, includes members-only prices, free two-day shipping with no minimum purchase and an extended return policy; and the third tier, part of a free loyalty program, offers free shipping with no minimum purchase.
In March,Best Buy首席执行官Corie巴里表示,该公司将关闭或再保险model some of its larger stores and launch smaller-scale outlets selling used and refurbished electronics to entice customers on a budget,Reutersreported.
But Joe Feldman, a retail analyst for the Telsey Advisory Group, told CNBC thatBest Buy's membership program has a weak spot due to the decrease in demand for new devices: "[The program] often gets associated with a purchase, so some of it is chicken and egg. It makes it a challenge."
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The retailer declined to share a current membership total and the program's renewal rate, per the outlet.