Websites using Future Shop

Okay, let s break down the information about Future Shop, a now-defunct Canadian electronics retailer.

Future Shop Overview:

• Concept: Future Shop was a major consumer electronics retailer in Canada, similar to Best Buy in the United States. They specialized in selling a wide range of electronics, including TVs, computers, appliances, home theater equipment, mobile phones, and video games.
• History: Future Shop was founded in 1982 in Burnaby, British Columbia. It grew to become Canada s largest electronics retailer.
• Acquisition: In 2001, Best Buy, the U.S.-based electronics giant, acquired Future Shop.
• Closure: In 2015, Best Buy announced that all remaining Future Shop stores would be closed and half would be re-branded as Best Buy locations. The Future Shop brand was retired.

Revenue:

• Past Performance: While precise figures for Future Shop alone are difficult to ascertain since it was owned by Best Buy, it was a major contributor to Best Buy Canada s overall revenue prior to its closure. It is safe to say Future Shop had revenues in the billions of dollars annually during its peak.
• No Current Revenue: As Future Shop is no longer operating, it has no current revenue. All sales are now captured under the Best Buy Canada brand.

Alternatives (Current Retailers in Canada):

Since Future Shop no longer exists, here are the primary alternatives for Canadian consumers looking for electronics:

• Best Buy Canada: This is the most direct equivalent, as it absorbed many former Future Shop locations. It offers a similar range of electronics and services.
• Amazon Canada: The online giant provides a vast selection of electronics, often with competitive pricing.
• Walmart Canada: They sell a range of electronics, particularly in the lower and mid-price ranges.
• The Source: This Canadian retailer specializes in electronics and mobile phones.
• Costco Canada: Known for bulk purchases, Costco also carries a selection of electronics, particularly TVs and computers.
• Canada Computers: A retailer focused on computer components and related hardware.
• Smaller Local Retailers: Various local or regional stores may also sell electronics.
• Manufacturer Direct: For some products, consumers may opt to purchase directly from the manufacturer s website.

Pricing:

• Future Shop s Past Pricing: Future Shop s pricing was generally competitive with other large electronics retailers. They would often have sales and promotions. However, they were generally viewed as offering products at full MSRP with the sales as incentives to buy.
• Current Market:
  • Best Buy: Typically has competitive prices and a range of price points.
  • Amazon: Often offers competitive pricing, and shoppers can find price variations through third-party sellers.
  • Walmart: Tends to offer lower prices on a more limited selection.
  • The Source: Can be competitive but may focus on specific areas like mobile.
  • Costco: Can offer good value if you re comfortable buying in bulk.
  • Canada Computers: Usually has very competitive pricing on PC components.
  • Generally: Pricing varies by brand, product, and store. Sales and promotions are often available, so it s important to shop around and compare.

Customer Care (Future Shop s Past Practices):

• In-Store Support: Future Shop had in-store customer service representatives to help with questions, purchases, and returns.
• Return Policies: They typically had standard return policies, often allowing returns within a certain time frame for unopened or defective items.
• Warranty: Future Shop offered extended warranty plans for many of their products, either under their own branded warranties or through third-party warranty providers.
• Technical Support: They offered some basic technical support, especially for products purchased through them, both in-store and sometimes over the phone.

Customer Care (Current Retailers):

• Best Buy: Offers in-store and online customer support, extended warranties (Geek Squad), and generally good return policies.
• Amazon: Has an online help center, chat, and phone support, and most items have a return policy.
• Walmart: Offers in-store and online customer support with variable return policies.
• The Source: Provides in-store and online customer service, technical support for specific products, and has return policies.
• Costco: Has a reputation for a very generous return policy and often good customer service for members.
• Canada Computers: Offers support online, via email and phone with tech-focused staff.

Key Takeaways about Future Shop:

• Future Shop was once a prominent player in the Canadian electronics retail market but was absorbed by Best Buy.
• It no longer exists as a separate entity.
• Best Buy Canada is now the primary retailer serving the market once dominated by Future Shop.
• Canadian consumers now have a range of alternatives for electronics, including Best Buy, Amazon, and other major retailers.
• Pricing and customer service vary across different retailers, so comparing options is always a good idea.

Let me know if you have other questions!