Best Buy has trained more than 30K employees to help sell new AI-enabled computers in hopes of ending a sales slump

Core Insights - Best Buy is aiming to reverse its trend of 10 consecutive quarters of declining comparable sales through a partnership with Microsoft, launching AI-enabled Copilot+ PCs [2][4] - The new PCs are marketed as the "fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever," indicating a focus on innovation to attract customers [2] - Over 30,000 employees have been trained to sell these new products, including a specialized "AI skillset" for more than 1,000 Geek Squad agents [4][5] Company Strategy - Best Buy has begun selling Microsoft’s AI-enabled Copilot+ PCs both in stores and online, marking a significant product introduction [2] - The company has restructured its Geek Squad team, shifting from a support role to a sales-focused approach to enhance in-store customer experience [4][5] - The training initiative aims to equip employees with the necessary skills to effectively demonstrate the capabilities of the new AI technology [4] Market Context - CEO Corrie Barrie previously attributed sales struggles to competition from companies like Apple and Microsoft, highlighting a lack of significant innovation in the market [4] - The introduction of next-generation products, such as the Copilot+ PCs, is seen as a potential catalyst for renewed consumer interest [4]