Today I went to Best Buy with the intent to spend money and purchase stuff. This doesn't happen as much as it used to since I am trying to save a bit. However I had $10 of reward zone gift certificates and 10% off coupons so I figured I could get some stuff. I was thwarted however by the new re-designed Best Buy. The local Best Buy's have changed to now have depth of hot items rather than breadth of choice. The selections for CD, DVD and Video Games has shrank greatly in recent past.
Best Buy's computer parts selection has changed a lot as well. They now carry motherboards, CPUs and other parts they didn't used to. However they dropped some other more useful stuff such as cables. The big problem is the lack of stock however, lots of empty shelves in the computer section.
The problem I had today at Best Buy also brings up some questions about the future of stores that sell things that like CDs, DVDs, Books and to a lesser extent Video Games. These products come with built in problems that online stores are purpose built to solve. There are two major problems as I see it; first, shelf space vs. selection; second, organization and sorting for finding or inventory. When I go to an online store I can instantly find something and usually determine stock. At a traditional bookstore I could spend 20-30 minutes just trying to find something and never knowing if it is even there to be found. There is something to be said for being able to hold a book or cd in your hand and look at it before buying, but this is for people who are shopping vs. people who are buying like myself usually. I just want to walk in, pick up, pay and walk out most of the time. It is just frustrating to not be able to find what you want for various reasons.
I attempted to use Best Buy's online site to purchase and then pickup in store. However it won't let you ring up your coupons or certificates. Oh well, try again I guess.
I buy my electronics from street vendors using the barter system. I trade them chickens for car stereos!