The new domestic stores will bring the electronics retailer to more than 900 units across the US. About 60 of the stores are planned at 30,000 sf, 20 at 45,000 sf and 10 at 20,000 sf. A majority of the stores will open during the first three quarters of the fiscal year, which begins March 4.
The new stores in Canada will be split evenly between the Best Buy and Future Shop chains, representing an 8% increase in square-footage growth, bringing it to four-million sf north of the border. Best Buy is also relocating two of its stores in Canada.
In China, Best Buy boosted its retail presence in 2006 with the acquisition of Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. The new units, with the Five Star name, are in addition to the approximately 130 the company operates in the country. Executives also plan to open two Best Buy stores there in the next 12 to 14 months.
The retailer reported a strong holiday-sales season with a 7% same-store sales gain year over year in December. Total revenue for the month reached $6.6 billion, an increase of 15% from December 2005.
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