Best Buy has appointed a new car audio buyer, Cheryl LeBlanc, a seasoned merchant at the chain who now oversees the Connected Car (including OEM integration and dash kits) and remote start.
She replaces Scott Fischer, who has been a senior merchant in car electronics for a several years and has moved to the furniture and TV mounts department at Best Buy, according to industry members.
LeBlanc started at Best Buy as a “Planning Analyst” in 2008, but left the chain four years later to serve as a buyer for Target Stores and then as National Accounts Manager in E-Commerce for Meyer Corp. She returned to Best Buy in 2015 as buyer for MP3 hardware, and wearables/health & fitness and now joins the car audio team as “Merchant: Car Electronics/Technology.
Randall Schwartz remains Senior Merchant for Best Buy for Connected Services, Parts and Accessories, overseeing car audio installation, and products including car radios, amplifiers and speakers.
Suppliers who are familiar with the new team said Best Buy remains committed to the car audio category and continues to invest in it.
An estimated 700 of around 1,100 Best Buy stores offer installation, say industry members.
Best Buy did not respond to our inquiry.
That’s like Whole Foods says Walmart needs to get out of groceries.
Response to CJD. Or at least get out of car audio.
Best Buy needs to disappear to better our industry.