Dell Plans to Sell PCs at Wal-Mart

DJAdapt writes "In a departure from Dell's approach of selling machines only directly to customers, a Dell spokesman said Thursday that the computer maker will begin selling two of its Dimension desktop computers in about 3,000 Wal-Marts beginning June 10. Dell spokesman Dwayne Cox said the Wal-Mart deal 'represents our first step' into global retail. 'Customers want more and new ways to buy our products, and we plan on meeting their needs on a global level,' Cox said. 'Offering Dell Dimensions in Wal-Mart is a great example of this approach.'"

Comments

SIS working with Dell

[Brit_in_the_USA]

This announcement seems to go hand in hand with this story: "Dell pulls SIS into cheapo PC deal " http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=39 807

For those who don't follow links here is an extract:

TAIWANESE CHIPSET FIRM, SIS said it was working with big US shop Dell, to build a low-cost PC. SIS said its SiSM661GX chip set would form the heart of Dell's EC280 which is aimed at first-time PC buyers.

Re:Increase sales volume, destroy the brand

[traindirector]

You're missing the minor point that HP is killing Dell lately, and HP sells most of their computers through traditional brick&mortar channels. Dell is trying to get back in the game.

No, that was the point of my post, which I stated pretty clearly:

This screams "We want to be the #1 North American computer seller again and we'll just have to deal with the negative effects of that on margins and brand perception"

What puzzles me is that it seems like a bad move in the long run. While selling through Wal-Mart will probably accomplish their sales goals, the damage to their brand could easily hurt worse than the lost sales.

Re:Super Walmart Today

[geekoid]

Kmart/Sears, Dozens of 'all in one stores' across the nation. I mean, I would need to pass 10 other all in one places to get to wal-mart. Very often Wal-mart has less value then the other places.

Lower cost doesn't equal better value. Since Wal-mart has said they want throw away items bought year after year, I will gladly pay 25% more for something I will be using for 5+ years.

Re:Sold at Wal-Mart != low quality

[Manaknight1980]

Actually Wal-mart is really upgrading their electronics section. The store I work at will soon be carrying Sony Bravias along with better lines from Sharp than they've carried in the past as well as some nice looking Phillips TV's. Mind you this may have something to do with the Futureshop opening next door...

Re:NASCAR + Linux + Dell + Wal-Mart

[Astadar]

Tux500 is for the Indianapolis 500, an Indy Racing League event, not NASCAR. The Allstate 400 is the NASCAR event at the Brickyard.