Best Buy's Getting Creative Amid Slumping Sales — But Expert Warns the Strategy Has a Major Flaw Consumers stocked up on electronics at the start of the pandemic — and they're not interested in buying more right now.

By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas

Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images

Best Buy enjoyed a big sales boost at the beginning of the pandemic as consumers loaded up on electronics to get them through quarantine — but those days are over.

Now, the electronics retailer is revamping its membership program to include three different levels and lower-priced options on June 27, CNBC reported.

Related: Best Buy Founder Dick Schulze Didn't Attend College But He Thinks You Should

The current membership program TotalTech, which debuted two years ago and cost $199.99 per year, will become the new program's top tier My Best Buy Total; soon-to-be priced at $179.99 annually, it provides 24/7 tech support, up to two years of product protection, 20% off repairs and additional benefits.

The second tier, priced at $49.99 per year, includes members-only prices, free two-day shipping with no minimum purchase and an extended return policy; and the third tier, part of a free loyalty program, offers free shipping with no minimum purchase.

In March, Best Buy CEO Corie Barry said the company would close or remodel some of its larger stores and launch smaller-scale outlets selling used and refurbished electronics to entice customers on a budget, Reuters reported.

But Joe Feldman, a retail analyst for the Telsey Advisory Group, told CNBC that Best Buy's membership program has a weak spot due to the decrease in demand for new devices: "[The program] often gets associated with a purchase, so some of it is chicken and egg. It makes it a challenge."

Related: Best Buy Pivots To Address Changing Retail Landscape

The retailer declined to share a current membership total and the program's renewal rate, per the outlet.

Amanda Breen

BIZ Experiences Staff

Senior Features Writer

Amanda Breen is a senior features writer at BIZ Experiences.com. She is a graduate of Barnard College and received an MFA in writing at Columbia University, where she was a news fellow for the School of the Arts.

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Science & Technology

OpenAI's Latest Move Is a Game Changer — Here's How Smart Solopreneurs Are Turning It Into Profit

OpenAI's latest AI tool acts like a full-time assistant, helping solopreneurs save time, find leads and grow their business without hiring.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Money & Finance

These Are the Expected Retirement Ages By Generation, From Gen Z to Boomers — and the Average Savings Anticipated. How Do Yours Compare?

Many Americans say inflation prevents them from saving enough and fear they won't reach their financial goals.

Business Solutions

Boost Team Productivity and Security With Windows 11 Pro, Now $15 for Life

Ideal for BIZ Experiencess and small-business owners who are looking to streamline their PC setup.

Starting a Business

I Built a $20 Million Company by Age 22 While Still in College. Here's How I Did It and What I Learned Along the Way.

Wealth-building in your early twenties isn't about playing it safe; it's about exploiting the one time in life when having nothing to lose gives you everything to gain.