Best Buy has been a popular choice for many physical media fans to get the latest DVDs and Blu-rays in a world where streaming services like Netflix exist. Unfortunately, it looks like Best Buy will be leaving physical media altogether in 2024.
The physical media landscape has changed drastically over the decades. From video stores to streaming, there have been some massive changes. Many collectors still prefer owning physical copies of their favorite movies or songs, however, especially when streaming services can often be volatile.
However, Best Buy will no longer be offering this option for customers. Instead, a Best Buy spokesperson noted (via Variety) how they will change their inventory:
“To state the obvious, the way we watch movies and TV shows is much different today than it was decades ago,” the spokesperson said. “Making this change gives us more space and opportunity to bring customers new and innovative tech for them to explore, discover and enjoy.”
For now, customers still have an opportunity to purchase physical media from Best Buy before then, as noted by the publication:
“Best Buy will continue to sell movies and TV shows on physical discs through the 2023 holiday shopping season online and in stores, before discontinuing sales in the new year. The company will continue to sell video games. As of mid-2023, Best Buy had 1,129 store locations, with 969 of those in the U.S.”
It’s definitely a disappointing turn for physical media as we progress further into the 2020s. But there are plenty of other avenues for fans to purchase such items. It just means that the industry will adapt, but as it’s proven over the decades as streaming has taken hold, there will always be a place for collectors to keep purchasing physical copies of their favorite films and shows. Nevertheless, it’ll be interesting to see what direction Best Buy takes for its business in the future.
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional Best Buy updates as we have them.