What: The retailer has a new plan to hold on to shoppers in the crowded electronics market.

Why is it important: The programme is set to compete with Amazon.

After a strong sales during the pandemic, the retailer is launching a USD 199.99 annual membership program with free device installations, a concierge service for tech support and other perks. The program, Best Buy Beta, will be available at around 60 Best Buy stores in six states by the end of this month. It also includes free shipping without order minimums, extended return windows and exclusive sales.

Best Buy has adapted to competition from online players like Amazon by beefing up customer service and positioning itself as the expert in TVs, computers and other electronics.

Amazon has popularised the membership model in retail with Prime, which currently costs USD 120 a year, and other retailers have followed its example. Walmart last year debuted Walmart+, a USD 98-a-year plan that includes free shipping from USD 35 and over and same-day grocery delivery.

Best Buy launches a new membership programme

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