Best Buy is tapping into two powerful trends — wellness and corporate responsibility — with the addition of exercise equipment to its assortment and the expansion of its electronics recycling program. The company also is increasing the experiential draw of its stores with the rollout of dedicated workout spaces at 100 stores by the end of 2019.
The collection of fitness products, which includes connected bikes and rowing machines from Flywheel Sports, NormaTec, Hyperice, Hydrow and NordicTrack, is aimed at shoppers who want to get in shape without having to leave their homes. Many of the machines can digitally connect to fitness trainers, to help users stay motivated and get the most out of their workouts.
“We know there’s a growing intersection between fitness and technology, and no one knows tech like we do” said Jason Bonfig, Chief Merchandising Officer at Best Buy in a statement. “We’ve promised our customers we’ll help enrich their lives, including their health and wellness, by using technology.”
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The commitment toward wellness is also reflected in the retailer’s recycling program, which has collected 2 billion pounds of electronics and appliances since 2009. The expanded program will let In-Home Advisors and the Geek Squad offer to take cables and cords, WiFi gear, audio equipment and other items that don’t contain personal data with them after they handle other tasks. Customers can still schedule appointments to pick up larger or more sensitive items.