Best Buy said Tuesday that it’s launching a new annual membership program nationwide and including a key perk to attract customers: access to hard-to-find items during the holiday season.
The consumer electronics retailer’s membership program, Totaltech, costs $199.99 per year. Customers who join will get unlimited, 24-hour tech support, exclusive member prices on merchandise, up to two years of product protection on most purchases, free shipping and installation, and an extended 60-day window for returns and exchanges, among other benefits.
Best Buy began testing the program in April.
The retailer is dangling the holiday-specific benefit as the pandemic fuels global supply chain challenges. Covid-19 outbreaks have temporarily closed some factories and ports, causing a shortage of semiconductor chips that are used by manufacturers for everything from cars to laptops. Freight costs have also jumped and ports grown congested, leading to higher prices and fewer products on shelves.
Retail analysts have encouraged consumers to start shopping early and to buy desired items when they see them.
