Best Buy Piloting Downsized 'Digital-First' Store in NC

its assets across stores, including fulfillment, services, an outlet, lockers, a digital lab and in-store and in-home consultation labor. The digital-first store is “another piece” to that pilot, said the company. The downsized store will have a “curated” selection of best-in-category products, Geek Squad services and a digital-first experience that encourages customers to shop, select products and get advice digitally while in the store, Best Buy said. Categories include home theater and audio, computing, headphones, wearables, fitness, cellphones, cameras, smart home and small appliances; the store will carry large TVs but not appliances. Fulfillment options include in-store pickup and lockers on the outside of the store “for around-the-clock pick-up,” it said. Most products on display at the Monroe store are available for customers to touch and try out. To purchase, customers use their phone to scan the QR code on a product price tag. That notifies a Best Buy Blue Shirt employee, who will pick up the item in the back room and bring it to the register for checkout. Customers will also be able to use mobile self-checkout for smaller items by scanning the barcode. They can get advice from employees in the store or via chat, call or video chat, the retailer said.