• October 17, 2008

Giant electronics retailer Best Buy says it is testing new Best Buy mobile stores, which will be based in malls, offering customers one-stop shopping for all their mobile technology.

While the company has had success rolling out mobile stores-within-stores, the new concept is freestanding--selling a full range of mobile devices including phones, laptops, and other handhelds, and then teaching shoppers how to make them all work together.

The Minneapolis-based chain says the stores--staffed with non-commissioned sales associates as well as Geek Squad agents--are aimed at those who don't normally shop at Best Buy, including women, teens and tweens.

The company says the stores are 3,000 square feet, compared with about 40,000 square feet for traditional Best Buy stores. Test stores are slated for Bloomington, Minn., Fairfax, Va., and Schaumburg, Ill.--Sarah Mahoney