Like Walmart, Best Buy is Taking Pages Out of Amazon’s E-commerce Playbook for 2029

Traditional Retailers Embrace Digital Transformation to Compete

As we approach the end of the decade, traditional brick-and-mortar retailers are increasingly adopting Amazon-inspired strategies to remain competitive in the evolving retail landscape. Best Buy, following Walmart’s lead, is implementing significant changes to its business model that mirror Amazon’s successful e-commerce playbook.

“The retail industry is undergoing a massive transformation, and companies that don’t adapt will be left behind,” says retail analyst Maria Chen. “Best Buy’s strategic pivot shows they understand the importance of digital integration while leveraging their physical store presence.”

Omnichannel Approach Drives Growth

Best Buy’s revenue projections for 2029 indicate a substantial increase in online sales, expected to comprise nearly 40% of total revenue compared to today’s 28%. This shift reflects the company’s commitment to an omnichannel approach that seamlessly integrates online and in-store experiences.

The electronics retailer is enhancing its digital infrastructure while reimagining its physical stores as experience centers and fulfillment hubs. This strategy allows customers to research products online and experience them in person before purchasing—addressing a key advantage brick-and-mortar retailers have over pure e-commerce players.

“Best Buy is leveraging its physical footprint in ways Amazon can’t match,” notes e-commerce consultant James Wilson. “Their stores serve as showrooms, service centers, and same-day pickup locations, creating a competitive edge.”

Data-Driven Personalization and Subscription Services

Taking another page from Amazon’s playbook, Best Buy is significantly expanding its data analytics capabilities to offer personalized shopping experiences. The company’s AI-powered recommendation engine now influences nearly 35% of purchases, up from 18% in 2023.

Additionally, Best Buy’s Total Tech subscription service has evolved to resemble Amazon Prime, offering members free shipping, extended warranties, exclusive deals, and technical support. Membership has grown by 65% since 2024, creating a steady revenue stream and increasing customer loyalty.

“Subscription services are the future of retail,” explains consumer behavior specialist Dr. Lisa Thompson. “They create predictable revenue while fostering brand loyalty through added value and convenience.”

Supply Chain Optimization and Marketplace Expansion

Best Buy has invested heavily in supply chain optimization, reducing delivery times from an average of 3-5 days in 2023 to same-day or next-day delivery for 80% of orders. This improvement comes from strategic warehouse placements and advanced inventory management systems.

The company has also expanded its third-party marketplace, allowing smaller vendors to sell through Best Buy’s platform. This approach has increased product selection by over 200% without requiring Best Buy to carry additional inventory, similar to Amazon’s successful marketplace model.

“The marketplace strategy is brilliant,” says supply chain expert Carlos Mendez. “It expands selection exponentially while minimizing inventory risk and generating commission revenue.”

Competitive Landscape in 2029

As Best Buy continues to adapt Amazon-inspired strategies, the retail landscape in 2029 shows traditional retailers finding their footing in the digital age. Walmart remains the largest competitor to Amazon, with Best Buy securing a strong position in the electronics and home appliance sector.

Costco has similarly evolved its business model, maintaining its warehouse experience while expanding its digital presence. Target has focused on its own unique blend of stylish merchandise and convenient fulfillment options.

“The retail winners of 2029 aren’t those who tried to beat Amazon at its own game,” observes retail futurist Michael Brown. “They’re the ones who adopted Amazon’s strengths while leveraging their own unique advantages.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Retail

As we look toward the 2030s, the line between online and offline retail continues to blur. Best Buy’s transformation represents the broader trend of traditional retailers embracing digital innovation while using their physical presence as a strategic advantage.

“What we’re seeing is not the death of retail as predicted a decade ago, but its evolution,” concludes retail economist Dr. Sarah Johnson. “Companies like Best Buy are proving that by taking the best pages from Amazon’s playbook while writing some new ones of their own, traditional retailers can thrive in the digital age.”

With e-commerce expected to represent 50% of all retail sales by 2035, Best Buy’s current transformation positions it well for continued success in the changing retail landscape.