Interesting news out of the United States overnight where iconic big box electronics retailer Best Buy is rolling out wedding registry kiosks in stores across America, presumably appealing to engaged couples hoping to receive TVs, computers, vacuum cleaners and smartphones on their special day.
“More than 1.5 million couples register for wedding gifts each year (in the United States), choosing items from an average of three retailers,” Best Buy said in a statement. “Options for these couples soon will improve with the 16 February launch of the Best Buy Wedding Registry, enabling couples everywhere to register for their most-wanted tech essentials, from wireless speakers to cameras and from Ultra HD TVs to ever-popular kitchen gadgets.”
The online registry will be complemented with the April rollout of in-store kiosks, such as the one pictured above, through all of Best Buy’s 1,000-plus outlets.
“Electronics and small appliances are as important to today’s newlyweds as silverware and towels,” said Wendy Fritz, Best Buy head of gifting strategy (a brilliant title, by the way). “The Best Buy Wedding Registry has the gifts that couples want and need, and that both brides and grooms can get excited about.”
Best Buy’s most comparable retailers in Australia are Harvey Norman and The Good Guys. Neither of these retailers currently advertise wedding-specific registries on their website, though Harvey Norman New Zealand does have a Gift Registry function on its website. Both these retailers do offer Wishlist functions, in which people can save products they intend to buy or would like as a gift, though this couldn’t really be classed in the same category as a properly serviced wedding registry.
On a whim, I wrote to the Harvey Norman Twitter guru to ask where Harvey Norman stood on this matter:
@HarveyNormanAU Do any Harvey Norman stores have wedding or gift registries?
— Paddy Avenell (@Patrickavenell) February 12, 2015
@Patrickavenell Hi Patrick there will be stores that do – no central system so will vary. Do you have locations you would like us to check? — Harvey Norman AU (@HarveyNormanAU) February 12, 2015
@HarveyNormanAU Just interested to know if it was in HN’s stars – can you email me a list of stores that have one?
— Paddy Avenell (@Patrickavenell) February 12, 2015
@Patrickavenell Ah in the stars is a different question If you let us know the area you are in we can check your local stores. Thanks. — Harvey Norman AU (@HarveyNormanAU) February 12, 2015
Sounds like Harvey Norman is following Best Buy’s lead: a good idea that if executed well could prove very successful. The Good Guys has been contacted to find out where its stands on wedding registries and we welcome any comments or updates on this subject in the box below.