Some Best Buys branching out to sell fitness gear

Last update: November 11, 2009 - 10:59 AM

NEW YORK - Best Buy Co. wants to get pulses racing over more than the hottest new laptops and TVs. Starting today the electronics chain is selling health and fitness equipment in 40 stores outside of Minnesota.

It may seem like a stretch for the company to branch into territory dominated by sporting-goods stores and chains like Sears and Target, but Best Buy said that doing so is a natural extension of its products and services.

"We're offering the latest and greatest technology in health and fitness," said Steve Trier, director for new categories at Best Buy. "There's been a lot of change in that industry and what these products can do for our customers and their lives."

Chosen stores in eight states -- Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas -- will offer equipment related to running, walking, swimming, yoga and other activities, including pedometers, special MP3 players, yoga mats, scales and blood pressure monitors. They'll also offer treadmills, stationary bikes and elliptical machines. In some locations, customers will be able to try out the equipment.

Best Buy, based in Richfield, says its services and staff differentiate it from competitors online and from discounters, and customers can get help from its Geek Squad technical support staff setting up this new equipment.

The chain recently branched into other new arenas, selling musical instruments and DJ equipment and expanding its mobile offerings.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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