Best Buy has opened its first small-format, digital-first store in Monroe, NC.

This new 5,000 sq. ft. store features a curated selection of best-in-category products, the expert services customers know and love like Geek Squad, and new ways to pick up tech. Plus, it is testing a new digital-first shopping experience that encourages customers to do everything from shop, select a product and get advice digitally while in the store. This is one more way Best Buy is continuing to invest in its stores to better serve its customers’ needs in an ever-growing digital world and create a more seamless shopping experience. The Monroe store will carry large TVs, but it won’t carry major appliances and other larger products. Those items can still be purchased on BestBuy.com and picked up in Monroe, or can be shopped for at any of the larger format stores in the Charlotte area.
When shoppers enter the store, they will be greeted by a 7-foot-tall digital display that explains what’s new and how they can shop inside the store, including: Just scan it. The majority of products shoppers see inside the Monroe store will primarily be on display for them to see, touch and try out. When ready to make a purchase, customers can use their phone to scan the QR code on any product price tag and send the order to be picked up at the order pickup counter. This will notify one of its expert Blue Shirts, who will then pick it up in the backroom of the store and bring it up to the register for the customer to complete their purchase.
The Monroe store will also have a collection of grab-and-go items, like charging cables, cell phone cases, gift cards and more. Customers will be able to simply use the Best Buy app, scan the barcode and use the mobile self-checkout option to complete their purchase.
Customers who need advice will also have the option to shop live with an expert from its virtual store via call, chat or video chat while in the store. For those shoppers who prefer not to use these digital options, trusted Blue Shirts will still be available to help just like at any other Best Buy store.