Best Buy debuts smaller, digital-first store in Charlotte. Here’s what that means

Best Buy is testing a new, smaller store format in the Charlotte region with a “digital-first” approach.

On Tuesday, Best Buy’s first small-format, digital-first store debuts in Monroe at Monroe Crossing Mall, 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd., the company said in an exclusive story to The Charlotte Observer. The store will open daily at 11 a.m., company spokesman Kevin Flanagan.

The new store will encourage customers to shop and check out digitally while in the store. The store also will include new pick-up lockers.

The Monroe store is part of Best Buy’s plan announced in the fall to pilot new store models in Charlotte, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. The Minnesota-based electronic retailer’s pilot program includes its first outlet, its first auto installation garage and its first “experiential” hub, while also adding more warehouse space for online orders and expanding tech repair and support.

How digital-first works

A 7-foot-tall digital display that explains what’s new and how customers can shop inside the store will greet people at the Monroe store, according to Best Buy.

Here’s how it works:

▪ The majority of products at the Monroe store will primarily be on display to try. Customers scan the QR code on any product price tag on their phone. This notifies a worker to pick up the product from the store’s backroom and bring it to the register for checkout.

▪ Customers also can use the Best Buy app for self-checkout. Scan the barcode and use the mobile self-checkout option on some items, such as charging cables, cell phone cases and gift cards.

▪ Customers also can chat live by phone call or video with product experts while in the store. Store employees also will be available to help.

What else to expect at Best Buy Monroe

The Monroe store will carry large televisions, but not major appliances and other larger products. However, those items can be purchased online and picked up in Monroe.

Here are other features to expect at the new pilot store:

▪ It’s a smaller store format at 5,000 square feet compared to Best Buy’s traditional 25,000-35,000 square feet.

▪ Home theater, headphones, cell phones, cameras and small appliances are some of the products that will be sold in the store.

▪ Geek Squad and consultation services will be available.

▪ In-store pickup is available, along with outside pick-up lockers accessible 24/7.

Other Best Buy store plans

Here are some of the pilot program highlights at Best Buy’s other 10 stores in the Charlotte area:

▪ The Pineville store on Centrum Parkway is Best Buy’s first outlet store, auto-installation garage and hub for repairs.

▪ The renovated Charlotte-North Lake 35,000-square-foot store is the hub of immersive experiences for audio, home theater and appliances, plus fitness equipment. Best Buy will even send a consultant designer home to help, for free.

▪ The Gastonia store includes a new customer fulfillment center and an expanded warehouse section with technology to fulfill online orders faster.

▪ Concord Mills and Hickory have more home theater products, appliances and computing sections.

Best Buy has more than 1,000 stores and about 100,000 employees in the U.S. and Canada, according to the company’s website. Best Buy has about 1,500 full- and part-time employees in the Charlotte area.

This story was originally published July 25, 2022 at 6:00 AM.