Who Owns Best Buy Mobile?
Best Buy Mobile is a mobile retail format operated by Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY), the consumer electronics retailer headquartered in Richfield, Minnesota. The format covers dedicated mobile phone stores and in-store mobile departments selling smartphones, accessories, and carrier plans. It operates within Best Buy's North American retail network, which reported FY2025 revenue of approximately $41.4 billion.
Parent Company
Founded
2009
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Best Buy Mobile Timeline
Who Owns Best Buy Mobile?
- Parent Company: Best Buy Co., Inc.
- Ownership Type: Brand division
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: BBY
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Best Buy Mobile | Best Buy Co., Inc. | Brand division |
History of Best Buy Mobile
- Founded: 2009
- Founders: Best Buy Co., Inc. (internal development)
Best Buy's dedicated mobile push began in the late 2000s as smartphones became the highest-frequency consumer electronics purchase. Around 2009 the company rolled out Best Buy Mobile as a specialized store-within-a-store format and, in some markets, standalone kiosks and mall locations focused on phones, plans, and accessories.
The format gave Best Buy carrier relationships with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile that produced activation commissions on top of device sales. It also positioned the retailer to capture the growing accessories attach rate on phone purchases, a higher-margin category than handsets themselves.
Through the 2010s the standalone kiosk format contracted as Best Buy consolidated mobile into the larger store network, where mobile departments could draw on the chain's full traffic and services ecosystem. The dedicated mobile store concept persisted as a retail brand and department identity rather than a widespread separate storefront chain.
By 2026, mobile remained embedded in Best Buy's core stores and online platform. The parent's 2026 marketplace launch and AI-powered search rollout affected mobile the same as other categories, expanding third-party accessory listings and improving product discovery for phone buyers.
About Best Buy Co., Inc.
Is Best Buy publicly traded?
Yes. Best Buy Co., Inc. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol BBY. The company has been publicly traded since its IPO in 1985. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street. No single shareholder holds a controlling stake.
What is Best Buy's revenue?
Best Buy reported FY2025 revenue of approximately $41.4 billion for the fiscal year ended February 2025. In Q3 FY2026, the company reported domestic revenue of $8.88 billion (up 2.1 percent) and international revenue of $794 million (up 6.1 percent). The company raised its full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance to $6.25 to $6.35 for FY2026.
Who is Best Buy's CEO?
Corie Barry serves as CEO of Best Buy Co., Inc. She succeeded Hubert Joly in 2019 and has led the company's digital transformation initiatives, marketplace launch, and strategic focus on customer experience and emerging technology categories.
What is Geek Squad?
Geek Squad is Best Buy's technical service brand, providing installation, repair, and support services for electronics and technology products. Geek Squad services are available in-store, in-home, and remotely. The service creates a competitive advantage by differentiating Best Buy from pure-play online retailers and generating recurring revenue.
How many stores does Best Buy operate?
Best Buy operates over 1,000 stores worldwide, primarily across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company operates various store formats including large-format Best Buy stores, Best Buy Mobile stores, and specialized Magnolia Audio Video locations.
What is Best Buy's digital strategy?
Best Buy's digital strategy centers on marketplace expansion, AI-powered search implementation, and omnichannel integration. The company launched its third-party marketplace in 2026, expanding its online assortment sixfold. AI-powered search features are being rolled out on the website and app to improve product discovery. Domestic online revenue represents 31.8 percent of total domestic revenue.
Who founded Best Buy?
Best Buy was founded in 1966 by Richard M. Schulze and James Wheeler as Sound of Music, an audio specialty store in St. Paul, Minnesota. The company was renamed Best Buy in 1983 when it opened its first superstore concept. The company went public in 1985.
- Founded: 1966
- Headquarters: Richfield, Minnesota, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: BBY
- Revenue: approximately $41.4 billion (FY2025, year ended February 2025)
- Employees: Approximately 90,000
Where Is Best Buy Mobile Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Richfield, Minnesota, USA
Best Buy Mobile Categories & Tags
Best Buy Mobile Recalls & Controversies
As a retail format, Best Buy Mobile's controversies are the parent's rather than product-level issues. No mobile-specific recalls apply because the format sells devices made by manufacturers.
Sales practice scrutiny: Best Buy has faced criticism over commission structures and sales incentives in its stores, with some former employees alleging pressure to attach services. These issues concern retail labor practices generally rather than the mobile format specifically.
Carrier plan complexity: Consumer advocates have periodically criticized the complexity and pricing transparency of carrier activation offers across all third-party wireless retailers, including Best Buy. The parent responds with disclosed terms and Geek Squad support for plan questions.
Data handling: Wireless activations involve customer identity and payment data, subjecting the format to the same data security scrutiny as the parent's broader retail operations.
Brands Owned by Best Buy Co., Inc.
Retail EcommerceBest Buy Canada
Owned by Best Buy Co., Inc.
Canadian retail operations of Best Buy Co., Inc., running electronics stores and e-commerce in Canada following the 2001 acquisition of Future Shop.
electronics-retailcanadabest-buy
Retail EcommerceBest Buy Mexico
Owned by Best Buy Co., Inc.
Mexican retail operations of Best Buy Co., Inc., running electronics stores and e-commerce in Mexico as part of the retailer's international segment.
electronics-retailmexicobest-buy
Retail EcommerceBest Buy
Owned by Best Buy Co., Inc.
American consumer electronics retail brand owned by Best Buy Co., Inc., the largest consumer electronics retailer in the United States with over 1,000 stores across North America.
electronics-retailconsumer-electronicsretail
Technology SoftwareGeek Squad
Owned by Best Buy Co., Inc.
American technical support and repair service providing computer repair, device setup, and technology assistance through in-store, in-home, and remote support services.
tech-supportcomputer-repairdevice-setup
Consumer ElectronicsMagnolia Audio Video
Owned by Best Buy Co., Inc.
American premium home theater and audio equipment brand operated by Best Buy. Specializes in high-end audio systems, home theater installations, and custom home integration. Operates as Magnolia Design Centers within select Best Buy stores. Founded in 1967 as Magnolia Hi-Fi. Acquired by Best Buy in 2000 for $87 million.
home-theateraudio-equipmentpremium-audio
Best Buy Mobile Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Multi-carrier retail model lets customers compare plans in one visit
- +Backed by the largest US consumer electronics chain with over 1,000 stores
- +Activation commissions and accessory attach provide recurring, higher-margin revenue
- +Geek Squad services extend the mobile sale into installation, repair, and support
- +Integrated with BestBuy.com and the 2026 marketplace expansion
Considerations
- -Smartphone upgrade cycles have lengthened, pressuring device turnover
- -Competes with carrier stores, Apple Stores, and Walmart on wireless retail
- -Standalone mobile format contracted as the business consolidated into full-line stores
- -Handset margins are thin relative to attach revenue, making economics dependent on services
- -Carrier relationship terms can shift, affecting commission income
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Buy Mobile
Sources & Further Reading
Competitors to Best Buy Mobile
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | USA | 1966 | Mass market | United states | All-ages | |
| Albertsons | USA | 1891 | Regional leader | United states | All-consumers | |
| Albertsons | USA | 1939 | Market leader | United states | All-consumers | |
| Amazon | USA | 1995 | Mass market | Global | All Genders | |
| Gildan Activewear | USA | 1989 | Mass market | United states | Unisex | |
| Avnet | USA | 1921 | Mass market | Global | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
Retail EcommerceBest Buy
Owned by Best Buy Co., Inc.
American consumer electronics retail brand owned by Best Buy Co., Inc., the largest consumer electronics retailer in the United States with over 1,000 stores across North America.
electronics-retailconsumer-electronicsretail
Retail EcommerceACME Markets
Owned by Albertsons Companies, Inc.
Albertsons Companies' Philadelphia-region grocery banner, a Northeast supermarket chain since 1891.
grocery-bannersupermarketgrocery
Retail EcommerceAlbertsons
Owned by Albertsons Companies, Inc.
The flagship grocery banner of Albertsons Companies, operating supermarkets across the Western and Southwestern United States.
grocery-bannersupermarketgrocery
Retail EcommerceAmazon
Owned by Amazon.com Inc.
American e-commerce marketplace launched in 1995 by Jeff Bezos. The flagship retail brand of Amazon.com Inc. and the largest online retailer in the United States.
ecommerceonline-marketplaceretail
Fashion ApparelAmerican Apparel
Owned by Gildan Activewear
Los Angeles clothing brand known for vertically integrated manufacturing and basics apparel, now owned by Gildan Activewear.
clothingbasicsapparel
Technology SoftwareAvnet
Owned by Avnet, Inc.
American electronic component distribution brand founded in 1921, serving manufacturers worldwide as the flagship of Avnet, Inc.
electronicssemiconductorsdistribution
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Best Buy Mobile competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Independent Alternatives to Best Buy Mobile
Looking for brands with different ownership structures? These similar brands are not owned by Best Buy Co., Inc., giving you alternative choices that support different corporate structures.
Retail EcommerceJoann
Owned by Joann Inc.
American fabric and craft supplies retailer offering sewing, quilting, and DIY materials and supplies.
fabriccraftssewing
Privately Owned
Joann is privately owned, unlike Best Buy Mobile which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Retail EcommerceAmazon
Owned by Amazon.com Inc.
American e-commerce marketplace launched in 1995 by Jeff Bezos. The flagship retail brand of Amazon.com Inc. and the largest online retailer in the United States.
ecommerceonline-marketplaceretail
Publicly Traded
Amazon operates independently without a large parent corporation.
Retail EcommerceFamily Dollar
Owned by Family Dollar
American discount variety store chain offering affordable household items, merchandise, and general goods. Founded in 1959, Family Dollar operates approximately 7,100 stores across the United States. Sold by Dollar Tree in July 2025 to Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management.
discount-retailvariety-storemerchandise
Privately Owned
Family Dollar is privately owned, unlike Best Buy Mobile which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Retail EcommerceAsda
Owned by EG Group
British supermarket chain offering groceries, clothing, and general merchandise, owned by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers since 2021.
supermarketgroceryretail
Privately Owned
Asda is privately owned, unlike Best Buy Mobile which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Retail EcommerceBig Lots
Owned by Variety Wholesalers, Inc.
American discount retail chain offering furniture, home décor, seasonal items, and general merchandise.
discount-retailfurniturehome-decor
Privately Owned
Big Lots is privately owned, unlike Best Buy Mobile which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Retail EcommerceMacy's
Owned by Macy's, Inc.
America's largest department store brand, founded in 1858, operating approximately 430 stores and the flagship Herald Square location.
department-storeretailfashion
Publicly Traded
Macy's operates independently without a large parent corporation.
Best Buy Co., Inc. Stock Information
Jobs at Best Buy Co., Inc.
Latest News About Best Buy Mobile
Related Articles About Best Buy Mobile
View more articles
Industry Analysis
Retail Brands That No Longer Exist (And Who Owned Them)
Forever 21, Party City, Joann, Big Lots, and Rite Aid all disappeared in 2025. Over 8,200 stores closed. Here is who owned these retail brands, why they failed, and what remains.
Who Brands StaffJun 16, 2026
RetailDefunct BrandsForever 21
Brand Comparisons
Amazon vs Walmart: Whose Brand Portfolio Is Bigger?
Amazon and Walmart are the two largest retailers in the world. But both have quietly built massive private label and owned brand portfolios. Here is every major brand each company owns in 2026.
Who Brands StaffMar 11, 2026
AmazonWalmartPrivate Label
Company Deep Dive
How Authentic Brands Group Built a $20 Billion Empire
Reebok. Forever 21. Brooks Brothers. Sports Illustrated. Elvis Presley. How did one company acquire them all? Here is how Authentic Brands Group built its licensing empire.
Who Brands StaffMar 2, 2026
Authentic Brands GroupBrand AcquisitionsLicensing
People Also Searched
Discover popular brands and companies in the Retail & E-commerce category and related searches from other users.
Brandconvenience-store
7-Eleven
Global leader in convenience retail with over 84,000 stores across 19 countries, offering a diverse range of food, beverages, and everyday essentials with a focus on 24/7 accessibility and neighborhood convenience.
Brand in Retail & E-commerce
retailfranchise
Brandgrocery-banner
ACME Markets
Albertsons Companies' Philadelphia-region grocery banner, a Northeast supermarket chain since 1891.
Brand in Retail & E-commerce
supermarketgrocery
Brandgrocery-banner
Albertsons
The flagship grocery banner of Albertsons Companies, operating supermarkets across the Western and Southwestern United States.
Brand in Retail & E-commerce
supermarketgrocery