I thought this post was absolutely brilliant. It's completely outside of Best Buy's current corporate culture, but perhaps they understand that experimentation is greatly needed.
I envision a specific, labeled section within Best Buy stores that is titled something along the lines of, "Best Buy Labs". It would contain non-UPC products of quality and would attract attention almost purely out of consumer curiousity. ("I wonder what they have in there this week?") The contents of the section would vary slightly from region to region, perhaps to play up local goodwill. Returns and exchanges would pose a challenge, but I see significant upside.
Edit: I forgot to add that it would be critical to keep this section clear of infomercial style gimmick products. If the perception turned from this being a laboratory to a Real TV store the idea would be sunk.
Key in my mind is a large number of casual walk-bys of people with no hobbyist interest in electronics. That would be Best Buy's competitive advantage in this space.
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I thought this post was absolutely brilliant. It's completely outside of Best Buy's current corporate culture, but perhaps they understand that experimentation is greatly needed.
I envision a specific, labeled section within Best Buy stores that is titled something along the lines of, "Best Buy Labs". It would contain non-UPC products of quality and would attract attention almost purely out of consumer curiousity. ("I wonder what they have in there this week?") The contents of the section would vary slightly from region to region, perhaps to play up local goodwill. Returns and exchanges would pose a challenge, but I see significant upside.
Edit: I forgot to add that it would be critical to keep this section clear of infomercial style gimmick products. If the perception turned from this being a laboratory to a Real TV store the idea would be sunk.
An interesting idea. If it's viable at all, though, shouldn't it be viable independently of whether a big-box chain does it?
It almost sounds like you're describing what Radio Shack should have been.
Key in my mind is a large number of casual walk-bys of people with no hobbyist interest in electronics. That would be Best Buy's competitive advantage in this space.