Best Buy has made its comeback in St. Albert, though this time with a distinctively smaller footprint. The new location, situated at 386 St. Albert Trail, diverges from the much larger Erin Ridge store that closed in 2019. This latest venture is part of Best Buy’s strategy to introduce 167 smaller-format stores across Canada, averaging around 2,000 square feet.
Launched on July 5, this new St. Albert store marks a departure from the norm by occupying a space previously used by a restaurant. The smaller stores offer about 90% of the inventory available in traditional Best Buy outlets, but with a reduced display area—roughly half of the stock is on the sales floor, with the remainder stored in the back.
Best Buy’s shift to these smaller, more neighborhood-friendly stores reflects a broader strategy to enhance convenience for customers by being closer to their locations. The decision to return to St. Albert, after a five-year absence, underscores the company’s commitment to reconnecting with its customer base and adapting to new retail landscapes.
