Best Buy Canada to Open Mobile Stores

Burnaby, British Columbia Best Buy Canada Ltd. on Monday announced that it will launch a new stand-alone shopping experience in shopping centers across Canada. The new Best Buy Mobile format will sell mobile phones, plans, accessories and related items.

The first stores will be constructed in the greater Toronto area and are slated to open before the 2008 holiday season.

"The mobile-phone business in Canada is significantly underdeveloped," said Phil Johnston, director, Wireless Solutions, Best Buy Canada Ltd. "Best Buy believes there is a genuine need for a new solution in the wireless space and that we have the retail experience and expertise to deliver a new and unique choice to Canadian mobile customers."

Best Buy Mobile expansion plans also include upgrading the mobile sections of select Best Buy stores across Canada for the Best Buy Mobile "store-within-a-store" concept. This new department in Best Buy's current retail stores will offer more selection and have dedicated team members.

Best Buy Mobile standalone stores will average approximately 1,800 sq. ft., while the in-store concept will be located near the current wireless section and feature approximately 800 sq. ft. of display space.