When it comes to electronics like smartphones, tablets, and accessories, as well as a large number of other consumer electronics, many here in the U.S. revert to Best Buy as they tend to have a giant selection of stuff in store and on hand to view. Even if you don’t end up actually buying at Best Buy you can get some hands-on time with something you’re looking to purchase. What most probably don’t think of is Macy’s, a large retail chain department store better known for apparel, toiletries, home goods and more. What most also may not know is that Macy’s, in a number of their larger department stores, actually sells a small number of electronics in a tiny portion of the store with some of the displays in vending machines where users can pay for and pick up their product all without having to deal with any staff.
This should make it less of a surprise that Macy’s today is announcing they’re looking to test out having some of their department stores feature a small “Best Buy” section that caters to those who are looking for specific items. Partnering with Best Buy, Macy’s will launch a 300 square foot shop with Best Buy staff on hand in 10 stores across the country starting this November as part of a test project, and will be carrying things like smartwatches, smartphones, tablets, with what seems like a large focus on Samsung products although they will have other brands as well.
As a department store, Macy’s has plenty of stuff but with competition from other department stores Macy’s states they’re looking for new ways to grow the business and offering electronics via small pop-up Best Buy shops is one way to do that. Other department stores such as Kohl’s already offer electronics in some of their retail locations and Macy’s already sells some electronics on their website. By opening up Best Buy shops inside of their stores this would be one way to set them apart, giving consumers the opportunity to pick up clothing, home goods, and other things department stores normally sell as well as leading tech devices so they don’t have to make another stop.
This is also not the first time Macy’s has sold electronics in its stores as they at one point had a section for this. Macy’s President Jeff Gennette states that “the deal marks Macy’s return to selling consumer electronics in its stores.” Macy’s goal is to test out this partnership from November and during the holiday shopping season and carry it into 2016, although Gennette didn’t mention how long into the new year they would keep these shops in operation. Likely pending the popularity and how well they do, Gennette and Macy’s will decide on what to do with the partnership going forward after the planned time period comes to an end.