# Small-Format Electronic Stores Best Buy Canada to Operate 165 Small-Format Bell Canada Stores By Grace Mahas | Published 2024-04-16 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smallformat-bell-canada References: [retailtouchpoints](https://www.retailtouchpoints.com/features/news-briefs/best-buy-canada-to-operate-165-small-format-bell-canada-stores-under-renamed-banner)  [Best Buy Canada](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/best-buy-sale) has announced a strategic partnership with [Bell Canada](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-advocacy-campaign) to take over operations of 165 stores previously under The Source brand, which will be rebranded as [Best Buy Express](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/best-buy-express). This initiative targets malls and smaller to mid-sized communities across Canada, with store openings scheduled to start in the second half of 2024. These small-format stores will merge Best Buy’s consumer electronics with Bell’s telecom services, creating a comprehensive tech and telecommunications retail experience. The collaboration aims to enhance the store layout to ensure an easy-to-navigate shopping environment, which will also function as pickup locations for online orders. This expansion leverages Bell’s reputation for high-quality mobility and internet services and Best Buy’s prowess in consumer electronics, aiming to attract a broader customer base and enhance the shopping experience in underrepresented markets. Image Credit: Shutterstock ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 23% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Tech-telecom Integration:** The partnership between Best Buy and Bell Canada merges consumer electronics with telecommunications services, offering a comprehensive retail experience. - **Small-format Retail Expansion:** Best Buy's move to open small-format stores in malls and mid-sized communities across Canada aims to enhance the shopping experience in underrepresented markets. - **Enhanced Pickup Locations:** The rebranded Best Buy Express stores will serve as pickup locations for online orders in addition to offering tech and telecom products. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Retail:** The collaboration between Best Buy and Bell Canada in small-format stores sets a new standard for technology and telecom retail experiences. - **Telecommunications:** Bell Canada's partnership with Best Buy presents opportunities to tap into a wider customer base by integrating telecom services into consumer electronics retail. - **Consumer Electronics:** The expansion of Best Buy Express stores poses innovative possibilities for creating a seamless tech shopping environment in smaller communities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Small-Format Tech Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/best-buy-express.md) - [Digital-First Tech Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tech-shops.md) - [Expanded Technology Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/best-buy-2.md) - [Innovative Retail Partnership](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/best-buy-and-ikea.md) - [Expanded Tech Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/best-buy-3.md) - [Compact In-Retail Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-shopin.md) - [Enhanced Office Retail Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/staples-canada.md) - [Camera Gear Product Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retail-expansion.md) - [Cross-Brand Shop-in-Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-in-best-buy.md)