The new markets it is entering with the signings are Bend, OR; Honolulu; Sioux City, IA; Springfield, OR; St. Joseph, MO; Tupelo, MS; and Victoria, TX. In existing markets, Best Buy is expanding in Atlanta, New York City and other areas.

Five of the stores will be in the company's large, 45,000-sf format, while the others will be in the 20,000-sf to 30,000-sf range. "Best Buy develops innovative store formats to serve the needs of our customers in communities of different sizes," said Pat Matre, VP of real estate for Best Buy.

The company expects to operate by the end of the month 688 Best Buy and Magnolia Audio Video stores in the United States and 144 Future Shop and Best Buy stores in Canada. The company has 13 new stores on tap for Canada during the coming fiscal year. The company has opened about 50 US units in the last year.