COMPUTERS, GAMING CONSOLES AND SMARTPHONES DRIVE RETAILER’S STRONGER-THAN-EXPECTED PERFORMANCE
Best Buy raised its sales forecast after strong Q3 demand for personal electronics, including laptops, gaming consoles and smartphones.
Best Buy has lifted its sales outlook for the fiscal third quarter after reporting a stronger-than-expected surge in device purchases across U.S. stores and online channels. Executives say consumers are upgrading aging laptops, gaming systems and smartphones at higher rates than anticipated, giving the retailer a significant boost ahead of the holiday season.
The company noted particularly strong sales in laptops and desktop computers, driven by both work-from-home needs and refreshed product lineups from major manufacturers. Gaming consoles continue to lead store traffic, with demand for accessories, next-gen upgrades and digital content also climbing.
Smartphone sales were a standout segment as new models and carrier promotions pushed more customers to upgrade. Retail analysts say pent-up upgrade cycles, combined with broader improvements in supply chain stability, helped fuel the momentum.
Best Buy executives say their revised forecast reflects not only higher device demand but also stronger attach rates for services, such as warranties, tech support plans and installation packages — critical revenue streams in the consumer-electronics market.
Industry watchers say the improved outlook is a positive sign for the sector, which struggled with uneven demand over the last two years. However, economic pressures, inflation and fluctuating discretionary spending could still make the broader retail environment unpredictable heading into early 2026.
Best Buy said it expects to share additional financial details during its next scheduled earnings call and will adjust guidance further if market conditions change.
