In a recent earnings call, Best Buy, a retail giant, announced it would close 24 stores in 2024, with an additional 10 to 15 stores expected to close in fiscal 2025.
While the specific locations of the upcoming closures were not disclosed, this decision is part of Best Buy’s broader efforts to adapt its retail presence to consumers’ changing shopping habits in an increasingly digital marketplace. To date, Best Buy operates more than 1,000 stores in the United States.
“In FY24 we closed 24 stores. And in fiscal 25, we expect to close 10 to 15 stores,” Matt Bilunas, Best Buy’s chief financial officer, said in the earnings call transcript, according to abc7.
“As our consistent practice, we will continue to close existing brick-and-mortar stores during our rigorous review of stores pending the renewal of their leases,” Bilunas said.
According to abc7, “The retailer will close larger stores and open smaller stores with vibrant layouts in markets where it does not have a physical presence.”
For customers who prefer in-person shopping experiences, store closures will limit their ability to see, touch and test products before making a purchase. While Best Buy is focusing on improving the customer experience by introducing smaller, livelier stores, the reduced number of locations could inconvenience customers who now have to travel farther to reach a store.
Store closures directly affect the employees who work in those locations. Job losses represent a significant disadvantage, impacting the livelihoods of individuals and potentially their communities. While some employees may be offered jobs at other locations or in new, smaller format stores, not all will have this opportunity, which will lead some to unemployment.
The Gateway Pundit previously reported that O’Keefe Media Group (OMG) published a story in which an internal whistleblower at Best Buy released screenshots of a training program.
A citizen reporter revealed that Best Buy is partnering with McKinsey & Company on a management training program.
The program is not open to white applicants. “Applicants must meet the [racial] requirements below.”
The program is reserved for employees who “identify as Black, Latino, Hispanic, Asian, or Pacific Islander.”
A second whistleblower revealed that Best Buy discriminates against Christians.
“A member of the Geek Squad has audio proof that the company refuses to allow Christian employees to display crosses by requiring them to attend LGBTQ seminars.” O’Keefe said.
Best Buy has fired whistleblower Enis Sujak who went public after reporting a manager’s ban on using Christian symbols in the workplace.
“Enis will go on the attack and file civil rights lawsuits against Best Buy for violating the law!” James O’Keefe said.
BREAKING: Best Buy fired whistleblower Enis Sujak @CocoWarfare who became public after reporting a manager’s ban on using Christian symbols in the workplace.
Enis will go on the offensive and file civil rights lawsuits
against Best Buy for violating the law! https://t.co/qmMUS6dlV1— James O’Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) September 2, 2023