A few years ago, I thought it was hilarious when friends included a video game console and games on their wedding registry at Walmart. Was it, though? Most households would get more use out of a PS4 than a set of fancy china or a crystal punch bowl. That’s why it makes sense that Best Buy now offers wedding registries.

Before you picture newlyweds eating off paper plates in between Wii games, remember that Best Buy also sells appliances. The registry allows people to make group purchases, so a few of your friends could get together to buy a washing machine, stand mixer, or a TV for the couple. (While it is called a “Wedding” registry, it would make sense to use this service for gifts for a new home or a newly cohabiting couple.)

Best Buy’s head of gift strategy (which is an actual executive title) explained to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that registering for flatscreens instead of flatware makes sense for millennials as they form new households. [S]ome of the traditional [wedding registry] products like silverware and linens have migrated for millennials to digital products.

Part of the idea behind making registries available is to interest more women in shopping at Best Buy, since women typically take charge of the registry in opposite-sex couples.

Like other stores that offer wedding and baby registries, Best Buy will offer a “completion” coupon for 10% off when the couple purchases the remaining items on their registries.

Best Buy banks on gadgets trumping china with first wedding registry [Star-Tribune]

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