The end is near!!!
In case you haven’t already heard, the retail giant Best Buy will stop selling physical media discs (DVDs and Blu-rays) in-store and online in early 2024. So now that 2024 is about to start, I decided to put the memo out again regarding Best Buy’s upcoming plans.
This move continues to reveal more evidence that the end of physical media may be ending, at least in brick-and-mortar stores, as more people turn to online streaming for watching TV shows and movies.
“To state the obvious, the way we watch movies and TV shows is much different today than it was decades ago,” Best Buy said in a recent statement to Variety magazine. “Making this change gives us more space and opportunity to bring customers new and innovative tech for them to explore, discover and enjoy.”
I’ve noticed over the years that Best Buy’s inventory of DVDs, standard and 4K Blu-ray discs has been constantly shrinking. My local Best Buy where I purchase Blu-ray discs has a small area in the back corner of the store that is allocated to these discs.
I must admit that I do not buy physical media discs as much as I used to, compared to back in the days when I typically made a new purchase every Tuesday, which was the day new releases hit the store shelves.
That being said, I will miss the nostalgia of being able to go into Best Buy to browse and pick up the 4K Blu-ray disc of my choice. And speaking of 4K discs. I have a modest collection I have purchased over recent years from Best Buy and Amazon.com. And to the best of my knowledge, Amazon will continue to sell physical media into the foreseeable future. As well as Walmart and Target for those who want to walk into a retail store to make their purchases. Although the selection of DVDs and Blu-ray discs at these stores is small.
FYI – Best Buy operates more than 1,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada and will continue to sell video games.
What are your thoughts on Best Buy no longer selling physical media? Please leave your comments.