Earlier this year, Best Buy Canada announced a partnership with Bell Canada to re-brand it’s the Source stores as Best Buy Express locations. Today, the first of what will be 167 small-format stores has opened in Guildford Town Centre in Surrey, BC.
The consumer technology retail stores will naturally be much smaller than a traditional Best Buy location. They will offer a curated selection of technology products, with the option to interact with the latest and greatest tech, with the assistant of Blue Shirt employees. Each location will include everything from headphones to small appliances, as well as Bell, Virgin Plus, and Lucky Mobile phones and plans.
Best Buy plans to roll out the remaining stores over the next six months, with all locations expected to be open by the end of 2024. Some of the locations will be opening in communities that have never had a Best Buy nearby.
Best Buy Express stores will also offer Geek Squad services including Protection and services for all consumer electronics products.
“Opening 167 stores in five months may be a North American first,” comments Ron Wilson, President, Best Buy Canada. “It’s certainly bold in retail today. We’re excited to see these new stores come to life as we double our store count, expanding our presence across Canada. We’re proud to be able to offer our ultimate shopping convenience to new and existing customers.”
“After months of planning and preparation, everyone here at Bell is thrilled to see the first Best Buy Express open its doors,” adds Blaik Kirby, Group President, Consumer and Small Business, Bell. “It’s a huge milestone in our partnership with Best Buy, and it’s just the beginning with more stores coming soon. We’ve combined the best of both companies to create a one-stop shop for Canadians and all their tech and connectivity needs. We’ve made the shopping experience more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable for our customers and we couldn’t be more excited that it’s here now.”
Customers who order online can also pick up and return products at these locations, whether they were purchased there, online, or at a larger-format Best Buy store in another area.
Best Buy Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Best Buy Co., Inc.