My Feelings Exactly

In a recent issue of Forbes, Larry Downes points out the reasons that he believes that Best Buy is going to gradually go out of business [read article]. I have made this point repeatedly to almost anyone that will listen, generally after I have just visited a Best Buy retail store. Downes, who undoubtedly wrote the article after going to Best Buy writes,

To discover the real reasons behind the company’s decline, just take this simple test. Walk into one of the company’s retail locations or shop online.  And try, really try, not to lose your temper.

There is no better place to lose your cool than inside of this craphole. My latest trip there (why did I go again..I never fail to amaze myself at how much I want something to change) resulted in the following exchange:

Me: Can you direct me to the section in your store in which I might find audio cables.
Best Buy Guy: Well....why do you need them.
Me: I need to hook my home audio/video Mac up to a digital receiver. (in head I am instantly regretting imparting this information)
BBG: You can't do what you want to do.
Me: Yes you can.
BBG: Well maybe with a $300 box.
Me: You don't need that. Where are your cables?
BBG: You will definitely need Monster cables.
Me: %#$$Q*&#%&

My friend Tom says that Best Buy is needed for people like his mom who are too scared of MicroCenter. While I kind of agree with his point, the people at MicroCenter are actually quite helpful even for folks like Tom's mom (and my mom). Even more accessible are the good folks at Apple. These samaritans spend several hours working in small groups with people who make my sister look like she is a techno-genius. So, if Best Buy fails, someone will be there to pick up the slack.