Best Buy plans to double Mac presence at its stores

Best Buy is reportedly going to sell Macs in 500 of its stores by February 2009, nearly double the current total.

Best Buy executives outlined its plans for Apple's Macs at CES, according to a research note by UBS analyst Ben Reitzes.

The implications for Best Buy's move could be far reaching. For instance, Best Buy is likely to get squeezed by weak consumer spending. It is clearly hoping to offset some of that weakness courtesy of Apple, which thus far has a product cycle that is eclipsing macro economic worries.

Reitzes wrote in his note:

"Despite some softness in the economy, our surveys & checks indicate that Mac demand remains robust. Even with prospects for a slowing economy, we believe Mac demand can keep going strong given new products."

Meanwhile, Apple is already gaining share and Adrian Kingsley-Hughes argues that 2008 is the year of the Mac. Best Buy only helps Apple's cause.

The partnership benefits both sides nicely. It's also clear that Best Buy can push Apple products. Best Buy is a leading seller of iPods, which are in all 900 of the retailer's stores.

If Reitzes is on target Best Buy may want to step up its rollout of Apple products in its stores. The retailer may need a buffer amid economic headwinds. And the new crop of products--including the new Mac Pro announced Tuesday-- expected at Macworld may be a soothing balm.