New York – Nearly two years after entering the New York metro area market, Best Buy is opening its first store on Manhattan isle this Friday.
The 35,000 square foot unit is located in the borough’s Chelsea section and occupies the ground and sub-levels of a newly erected residential building on Sixth Ave. at 23rd Street.
The nation’s No. 1 CE merchant describes the 5,000 square foot first level as a ‘digital technology boutique’ that highlights the newest digital gear and leads customers to the more expansive 30,000 square foot underground level.
The store joins 19 units currently operating throughout the New York market, and is the first of seven locations that will be added this year. Three more stores are planned for 2003, and additional sites, including more Manhattan stores, are slated for 2004. Ultimately the chain plans to operate 35 Best Buy stores in New York and New Jersey.
The company will kick off its first Manhattan site with a ‘New York Icons’ advertising campaign on subway posters and wallscapes that features renderings of the Statue of Liberty torch, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building comprised of CE products. Best Buy will also host an opening day celebration in nearby Madison Square Park with guest appearances by local sports icons and Broadway stars.
The new store is located 10 blocks away from Union Square, a downtown shopping Mecca ringed by Circuit City, P.C. Richard, The Wiz and a Virgin Megastore.
