Amazon’s latest service helps you set up your Alexa-powered smart home

The move could cut down on returns, too – smart home devices can be intimidating if you’re a novice, and this might convince some newcomers to stick with their products. Gap Inc. fell 6.5%, followed by Best Buy Inc., down 6.3%.

Amazon’s service is now available in seven markets: Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, Calif. and San Jose.

The new offering, which has already rolled out in seven markets without much fanfare, is aimed at helping customers set up a “smart home” – the industry term used to describe household systems like heating and lighting that can be controlled via apps, and increasingly by voice.

Shares of Best Buy tumbled 7% in the stock market today, dragging it further away from a 62.05 entry it was courting from a flat base in recent weeks. Services account for about 5 percent of revenue at Best Buy, which acquired Geek Squad more than a decade ago to help solve customers’ technology problems.

Best Buy reported unexpected first quarter growth in May, when shares hit an all-time intraday high of $60.14.

The new offering goes beyond Amazon’s existing marketplace for “home services”, which is now a few years old.

Look out, Geek Squad – Amazon wants your turf. Company experts will answer questions and set up products like smart lights, thermostats and of course, Amazon’s line of smart devices. “They have been handpicked for their technology experience, passion for customer service, and strong track record”.

Amazon’s mission to become the only company in the United States continues unabated as Recode reports that the online retailer is beginning to roll out its own in-home installation and fix service to compete with Geek Squad.

Recodealso noted that Amazon is now postings jobs for “field technicians” in multiple cities, including Tampa, Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Las Vegas.

Here’s another stock idea to consider. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers.

See This Ticker Free Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research?