Best Buy dates UK invasion

Best Buy will finally enter the UK this May with a new store in Thurrock, Essex.

The US retail giant was originally due to open in the UK last year, but delayed the openings to wait for better sites.

Further Best Buy stores will open in Hedge End (Southampton) and Merry Hill (West Midlands) in June, followed by an Aintree (Liverpool) outlet in the subsequent weeks.

Best Buy UK will stock the expected audio and visual equipment, computing technology, entertainment devices, appliances, mobiles, music, movies, and, of course, games.

We’re here to make buying technology simple, exciting and tailored to each of our customers,” said Best Buy branded operations CEO Paul Antoniadis.

Our store in Thurrock marks the beginning of a new chapter and we’re looking forward to bringing the Best Buy experience to consumers across the UK.”

Best Buy will launch a fifth store in Croydon, Surrey in the autumn. Further store announcements are due in the coming months. The retailer has pledged to create 8,000 jobs in the UK over the next five years.

Despite the new store launches, Verdict Research consulting director Neil Saunders has told MCV that Best Buy poses little danger for established High Street games retailers – such as GAME and Gamestation.