By Thomas J. Ryan

Again, disappointing skeptics convinced Fitbit and other fitness wearables are a fad, Best Buy Inc. said strength in wearables helped the electronics chain deliver better-than-expected sales for its second quarter.

In its domestic business, Best Buy’s same-store sales grew 0.8 percent versus guidance calling for approximately flat comps. This was on top of comparable-sales growth of 3.8 percent last year. Similar to last quarter’s trends from an overall merchandising perspective, Best Buy said it saw year-over-year sales growth in health and wearables, home theater and appliances, partially offset by continued softness in mobile phones and gaming.

Asked about the strength in the wearables category in the Q&A session of Best Buy’s conference call with analysts, CFO Corie Barry said, “There was a reason we listed it first. It was very impactful overall to our business and again, I think, highlights a nice partnership for us,” referring to Fitbit, the leader in the fitness wearables space. Best Buy officials also expressed confidence that the wearables momentum will continue in the second half with a number of launches set for Fitbit and other players.

Said Barry, “The back half isn’t just about phones. We think there could be some interesting things on the horizon. So, we are watching just like you are to see what else there might be in the back half. But from a holiday perspective, obviously we like our positioning in the category.”

After the August 23 results, shares of Best Buy jumped 20.4 percent to $39.23, but a few wearables players also received small pops on the encouraging sign that wearables would again rank as hot sellers this coming holiday season.

Fitbit is expected to release several new models this fall, while GoPro is scheduled to release its Hero 5 camera and Karma flying-camera drone this holiday season. Apple is rumored to be releasing its second-generation Apple Watch.

On August 23, shares of Fitbit grew 3 percent to $14.88, GoPro increased 2 percent to $15.51 and Garmin added 1 percent to $53.67. Apple was up 0.3 percent to $108.85. Fossil Group, which acquired Misfit last year and has launched a wide range of wearables, added 1 percent to $31.73.

Photo courtesy Fitbit