Best Buy has been branching out a lot lately. It's moved into musical instruments as well as electric bikes and scooters, and now it's looking to pump up (insert groan here) its volume with the sale of fitness equipment in stores and on its website.
While the move into fitness equipment may seem like a stretch (repeat groan) to some, Best Buy sees it as a natural next step for its business.
"We're offering the latest and greatest technology in health and fitness," Steve Trier, director for new categories at Best Buy, told The Associated Press. "There's been a lot of change in that industry and what these products can do for our customers and their lives."
Best Buy will offer both electronic and manual equipment for a wide variety of physical activities, including running, swimming, yoga, walking and weight lifting, in a 40-store test at locations in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas.
In addition to the sale of the product, Best Buy said it will provide added service for fitness equipment customers with its Geek Squad unit.
"We're constantly looking for the most innovative solutions to address our customer's lifestyle needs," said Steve Trier, senior director of customer research & development at Best Buy, in a press release. "Customers expect quality, selection and service from Best Buy, and with health and fitness, we're matching the right combination of gear with experienced BlueShirts and Geek Squad to help them manage and stay motivated by their fitness routines."
Discussion Questions: What is your reaction to Best Buy's test of fitness equipment? Are they moving beyond their "comfort zone"?