Best Buy to Double Apple Presence in Stores

Best Buy (BBY) is reportedly going to sell Macs in 500 of its stores by February 2009, nearly double the current total.

Best Buy executives outlined its plans for Apple’s (AAPL) Macs at CES, according to a research note by UBS analyst Ben Reitzes.

The implications for Best Buy’s move could be far reaching. For instance, Best Buy is likely to get squeezed by weak consumer spending. It is clearly hoping to offset some of that weakness courtesy of Apple, which thus far has a product cycle that is eclipsing macro economic worries.

Reitzes wrote in his note:

“Despite some softness in the economy, our surveys & checks indicate that Mac demand remains robust. Even with prospects for a slowing economy, we believe Mac demand can keep going strong given new products.”

Meanwhile, Apple is already gaining share and Adrian Kingsley-Hughes argues that 2008 is the year of the Mac. Best Buy only helps Apple’s cause.

The partnership benefits both sides nicely. It’s also clear that Best Buy can push Apple products. Best Buy is a leading seller of iPods, which are in all 900 of the retailer’s stores.

If Reitzes is on target Best Buy may want to step up its rollout of Apple products in its stores. The retailer may need a buffer amid economic headwinds. And the new crop of products–including the new Mac Pro announced Tuesday– expected at Macworld may be a soothing balm.

Comments

[Dan Poarch:]

Can't say enough times that a recession is good news for Apple. Apple provides value, which is important in times of belt tightening. Cheap PCs are cheap PCs and a consumer knows that.

2008 Jan 09 02:51 PM

[B-man:]

Apple's product is far superior to its competitors and with its popularity and following growing globally, you will see by mid year that apple will gain regardless of what happens in the US economy. It's strategy of bringing different products to consumers that are fun and sexy will make the company tons of cash in different markets and believe me Apple is far from done. The next 5 years I see apple offering so many different products in so many ways we never thought they would and make loads of money. We all know Apple doesn't make anything unless they know they will be the best at it and that vision has proved so far.

2008 Jan 09 08:57 PM