Best Buy putting limit on in-store traffic to 10 to 15 customers at a time

At a time when consumers are more reliant on technology than ever before, Best Buy is taking action to keep up with consumer demand and help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The nation’s largest consumer electronics retailer said that starting Monday, March 23, and at least for the next two weeks, it will serve customers through limited access to its stores and curbside pickup. Only 10 to 15 customers at a time will be allowed into a Best Buy. (Also, as of March 18, store operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time.)

Best Buy noted that there will only be a few employees in the store. Shoppers will be escorted by an employee, maintaining social distancing separation of 6 ft. and following the official guidance to not allow clusters of 10 or more people. 

In addition, customers can pick up a product at curbside that they ordered online or have it shipped directly to their home. They can also drop off a product for Geek squad repair.
Deliveries and installations will continue wherever permitted and under strict safety guidelines. All in-home consultations will be done virtually as of Wednesday, March 18.

“We are making the best decisions we can with two goals in mind: protecting employees, customers and their respective families, while trying our best to serve the millions of Americans who rely on us for increasingly vital technology that keeps them connected to their school and work, and for the appliances necessary to help them store and prepare food,” the retailer said in a statement. “Demand is high for these necessities, including for the millions of children who will now rely on technology to continue their education online.”

Best Buy said the temporary changes it is making will require fewer employees working at any one time. It intends to give employees not working two weeks’ pay. The retailer also relaxed its absence policy and will not penalize employees for missing work.