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Best Buy to Discontinue Sales of Physical Films: A Shift Expected in the Coming Months

by Lucas Garcia
6 comments
Best Buy discontinues physical film sales

Best Buy is bidding farewell to the sale of physical film formats.

The electronics retail giant has announced plans to cease its in-store and online sales of DVDs and Blu-rays by the first quarter of 2024. The decision was confirmed by Best Buy to The Big Big News this past Friday. However, this change will not affect the sales of video games.

“In light of evolving viewer habits, it’s clear that the consumption of movies and television shows today is significantly different from how it was several years ago,” Best Buy communicated in an official email statement. “This transition allows us to allocate retail space for more cutting-edge technologies that customers can explore, learn about, and incorporate into their lives.”

Best Buy is not the only enterprise steering away from the realm of tangible media. Just last month, Netflix terminated its DVD-by-mail service, marking the end of its iconic red-and-white delivery envelopes.

Rumors regarding the discontinuation of physical movies at Best Buy had been circulating earlier this week, sparked by reports from multiple media organizations.

The Digital Bits, an entertainment blog, was the first to disseminate the news on Thursday, attributing the information to sources acquainted with the issue. Trade publication Variety also reported that Best Buy’s decision to cease DVD sales was internally made approximately nine months ago, citing their own industry contacts.

For the second quarter of 2023, Minnesota-based Best Buy reported earnings of $274 million, translating to $1.25 per share. Although this surpassed Wall Street projections, it was marginally lower than the $306 million earned during the same timeframe the previous year.

Sales for the quarter saw a decrease of 7.2%, amounting to $9.58 billion, which was nonetheless slightly more favorable than what analysts had anticipated. Comparable sales, which include revenue from both physical stores that have been operational for at least a year and digital platforms, decreased by 6.3%. This downturn was attributed to diminishing sales in the computing and appliances sectors. Contrarily, sales in the entertainment division saw an uptick, registering a growth of 9.1%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Best Buy discontinues physical film sales

What is Best Buy’s plan regarding the sales of DVDs and Blu-rays?

Best Buy has announced its intention to cease the sales of DVDs and Blu-rays both in-store and online by the first quarter of 2024.

Will this decision impact the sales of video games at Best Buy?

No, the decision to stop selling DVDs and Blu-rays will not affect the sales of video games. They will continue to be sold as usual.

Why is Best Buy making this change?

According to an official email statement from the company, the way consumers watch movies and TV shows has significantly evolved over the years. The move is aimed at reallocating retail space for more innovative and cutting-edge technologies that customers can explore.

Are there any other companies discontinuing the sale or rental of physical movies?

Yes, Netflix recently terminated its DVD-by-mail service, indicating a broader industry trend moving away from physical media.

When was the decision to discontinue DVD sales initially made?

According to trade publication Variety, the initial internal decision to end DVD and Blu-ray sales was made approximately nine months ago.

How has this decision affected Best Buy’s financial performance?

In the second quarter of 2023, Best Buy reported earnings of $274 million or $1.25 per share, which was lower than the $306 million earned in the same period the previous year but still exceeded Wall Street expectations.

What has been the trend in Best Buy’s sales in entertainment categories?

In contrast to decreasing sales in computing and appliances, the entertainment category at Best Buy saw an increase in sales, growing by 9.1% in the second quarter of 2023.

Are DVDs and Blu-rays still available for purchase at Best Buy?

Yes, DVDs and Blu-rays will continue to be sold both in stores and online through the holiday season, after which the phase-out will begin.

More about Best Buy discontinues physical film sales

  • Best Buy Official Announcement
  • The Big Big News Coverage
  • Variety Article on Best Buy’s Decision
  • Netflix’s Termination of DVD-by-Mail Service
  • The Digital Bits Initial Report
  • Best Buy’s Q2 2023 Financial Report

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6 comments

CinephileX October 14, 2023 - 1:46 am

Physical media has a certain charm, ya know? Nothing can replicate that. Sad to see Best Buy giving it up.

Reply
Sarah_T October 14, 2023 - 12:13 pm

Can’t say im surprised. Everything’s digital these days. But it’s kinda sad too, I like collecting DVDs.

Reply
TechGuru91 October 14, 2023 - 1:21 pm

Interesting move by Best Buy. Clears up space for more tech. Bet we’ll see more VR stuff or smart home gadgets there soon.

Reply
WallStWatcher October 14, 2023 - 2:39 pm

Not a huge shock considering the Q2 numbers. Company needs to adapt or perish. Good on them for taking action now.

Reply
MikeJ October 14, 2023 - 3:40 pm

Wow, DVDs going the way of the dodo huh? Seems like end of an era… but kinda saw it coming. Streaming’s the king now.

Reply
JennyMoms October 14, 2023 - 5:26 pm

so no more kids dvds at Best Buy? Guess its time to finally set up that Netflix kids account.

Reply

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