Electronics retailer Best Buy plans to increase the push for Blu-ray adoption this holiday shopping season, as retailers and manufacturers finally believe late 2009 and early 2010 will be a shining moment for the high definition format.
The Sony-backed format has struggled since conquering Toshiba's HD DVD a few years ago, as consumers shied away from the higher priced discs in favor of DVD and streaming services.
Best Buy, reportedly the No. 1 Blu-ray retailer, is increasing entertainment retail space up to 30% prior to Christmas, which is up 20% from one year ago. Although it may seem insignificant, approximately half of Best Buy's foot traffic goes through its entertainment sections, which may help convince consumers to start buying more Blu.
"The customer has to walk through the catalog titles to get the new releases," Best Buy merchant director Diane Sherwood said to reporters. "We are seeing increased consumer interest in that. Our focus this holiday season is definitely Blu-ray and stepping customers up to [the format]. We are definitely driving the industry in Blu-ray promotions."
Simply throwing the Blu-ray format in the face of consumers won't be enough. It's up to Best Buy to ensure that there are employees available who are able to answer questions that potential customers may have.
Blu-ray has struggled, but with the cost of standalone players dipping below the $200 price range and movies also decreasing in price, it's possible there is money to be made by Best Buy and others.
