11 Best Buy stores in the UK are set to close as the US electrical retailer switches focus of the European side of its businesses to a ‘connectivity’ strategy within Carphone Warehouse stores.

The closure of the UK “big box” retail outlets has been blamed on the “progress of online retailing and the growth of new products such as smartphones, tablets and apps.” 1,100 staff will be affected by the store closures, but Best Buy says that majority of its employees will be redeployed within the business.

Andrew Harrison, CEO at Best Buy Europe, commented: “We are very proud of our Best Buy team members. They have been exceptionally committed and have delivered fantastic customer service. Our immediate focus is on ensuring that they are offered new opportunities within Carphone Warehouse and Geek Squad, where they will help us deliver a best-in-class customer experience.”

The renewed focus on Carphone Warehouse will see the expansion of the "Wireless World" store format across the UK, which provides a wider product mix and a higher level of service. The Best Buy Europe Group expects to have 350 to 400 "Wireless World" stores operating by March 2012.

The 11 Best Buy UK stores that are set to close are based in Thurrock, Hedge End, Merry Hill, Aintree, Croydon, Derby, Cribbs Causeway, Hayes, Rotherham, Nottingham and Enfield.