Best Buy to Move Into Former Circuit City Building

After sitting empty for three years, the former Circuit City building will have a new—albeit familiar—tenant: Best Buy, old-time foe of the now-defunct electronics chain.

For more than a year, Best Buy has had its eye on the massive structure at 14141 Aldrich Avenue, part of the Burnsville Market Place Shopping Center owned by JPT Industries Inc. Best Buy first got city approval on exterior alterations in July 2011, but has not pursued occupancy of the building until now.  

However, industry analysts are speculating that Best Buy may fold, prey to some of the same internal flaws and market forces that felled Circuit City in 2009. Over the last month, Best Buy has been roiled by disappointing quarterly results, , and executive turnover among its highest ranks after amid scandal. 

For now, in any case, the chain is planning to unveil its new store design at the new Burnsville location.

The Burnsville Council gave the final go ahead on Tuesday night. Once the move is complete, Best Buy's current location on the I-35W Frontage Road will close to the public, though the company plans to continue using the building.