Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Best Buy Express launched its first Canadian store on June 26, 2024, at Guildford Town Centre in Surrey, British Columbia. The small-format stores combine a curated Best Buy electronics selection, online-order pickup and returns with telecom activations from Bell, Virgin Plus and Lucky Mobile. “Exclusive” means this Express format is limited to Bell-owned brands—not that every Best Buy store is Bell-only.
What opened, and where?
Best Buy Canada and Bell announced the Surrey location as the first store in a planned national rollout. The June 2024 launch announcement referred to 167 Best Buy Express stores. An earlier January partnership announcement referred to 165 former The Source locations, so the figures describe different stages of the plan rather than a contradiction. Stores were expected to open in phases as locations were renovated.
Best Buy Express was created through a strategic partnership between Best Buy Canada and Bell. The concept uses a smaller footprint than a conventional Best Buy, making it suited to malls and smaller or mid-sized communities where a big-box store may not be practical.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The original launch plan was based largely on selected former The Source locations. Best Buy’s current customer FAQ says The Source stores and thesource.ca have closed, while many former locations transitioned to Best Buy Express. That does not mean every former The Source site became an Express store; check the current Best Buy store locator.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What can you buy there?
The physical assortment is curated rather than equivalent to a full-size Best Buy. Categories highlighted by Best Buy include:
- Phones and mobile accessories
- Headphones and portable speakers
- Laptops, tablets and computer accessories
- Wearables
- Gaming products
- Televisions and home-theatre equipment
- Streaming devices
- Smart-home products
- Virtual-reality products
If an item is not on the shelf, customers can generally order through BestBuy.ca and use an Express location for pickup. Best Buy says pickup may be available as soon as one hour, depending on the order and store. Eligible Best Buy purchases can also be returned at participating locations under the current return policy. Protection plans and Geek Squad-related services are offered through the format, but the exact service and eligibility depend on the product and location.
Rank #2
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
Launch material cited access to more than 100,000 products. That figure refers to Best Buy’s broader fulfilment network and online catalogue—not 100,000 products stocked in every small store.
What does “exclusive” Bell telecom service mean?
Best Buy Express locations offer telecom products and activations from Bell, Virgin Plus and Lucky Mobile. The January partnership announcement also described mobility, internet, television and home-phone services from those Bell-affiliated brands, with internet and TV availability varying by province and location.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Best Buy confirmed to MobileSyrup that Express stores would exclusively offer Bell-owned telecom brands and had no plans to add other carriers in that format. In practical terms, shoppers should not expect the competing carrier lineup often found at a regular Best Buy or Best Buy Mobile store, such as Rogers, Fido, Chatr, Telus, Koodo, Freedom Mobile or SaskTel. The restriction is specific to Express stores; it is not a rule for every Best Buy location.
That makes an Express store useful for someone who already wants Bell, Virgin Plus or Lucky Mobile, but a poor choice for a neutral, one-stop comparison of Canada’s major carriers.
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Phone activation works differently
Best Buy’s current mobile help page says online activations can be completed at a Best Buy or Best Buy Mobile location, but not at a Best Buy Express store. At Express, customers seeking a phone and plan must visit the store and have staff set them up with Bell, Virgin Plus or Lucky Mobile.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Offers, plan prices, data allowances, gift-card incentives and eligibility can change by province, customer status and activation method. Verify current terms on the relevant carrier site or at the specific store rather than relying on launch-era promotions.
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
What happened to The Source customers?
The Source was Bell’s former electronics-retail chain. Its stores and website have now closed. According to Best Buy’s FAQ:
- Eligible The Source gift-card balances can be transferred through Best Buy’s replacement process to a Best Buy eGift card.
- The Source no longer accepts purchases for return or exchange through the old chain.
- For defective products, the manufacturer’s warranty process may apply.
Keep receipts and check Best Buy’s current FAQ before travelling, since gift-card, return and warranty treatment depends on the purchase and product.
Best Buy Express versus a regular Best Buy
| Need | Best Buy Express | Regular Best Buy or Best Buy Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| In-store electronics | Curated, smaller selection | Usually broader physical inventory |
| BestBuy.ca pickup | Available where the location supports it | Available |
| Bell, Virgin Plus or Lucky activation | Available | Available, depending on location |
| Multi-carrier comparison | Not the purpose of the format | Broader selection, depending on store |
| Online mobile activation | Not available at Express | Available at Best Buy or Best Buy Mobile locations |
| Large appliances, specialist inventory and full services | Less likely; check locally | More likely at a full-size store or online |
How to use an Express store now
- Search the Best Buy store locator and filter for Best Buy Express.
- Check that location’s hours and listed services; they can differ from one store to another.
- For a product not displayed in-store, order on BestBuy.ca and select the Express store for pickup if offered.
- For a phone plan, visit in person. Do not assume an online activation can be completed at Express.
- If comparing carriers, visit a regular Best Buy Mobile location or compare directly with Bell, Rogers, Telus, Freedom and other providers.
Who should choose Best Buy Express?
It is a good fit for shoppers near a mall or smaller community who want to see popular electronics, collect an online order locally, return an eligible Best Buy purchase or receive in-person help with Bell-affiliated mobile service. It can also be convenient when there is no nearby full-size Best Buy.
It is a poor fit if you need the widest in-store selection, specialized large-store support or a genuinely carrier-neutral comparison. Customers who already know they want Bell, Virgin Plus or Lucky Mobile may find the format convenient; customers undecided among multiple networks should start elsewhere.
The launch story is historical, while availability is current and location-specific. For today’s hours, inventory, services and telecom options, rely on the official locator and the current Best Buy policies. See Best Buy’s Express information page, Bell’s store locator, Virgin Plus store finder and Lucky Mobile for live details.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
