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

Will they offer Ubuntu machines at Walmart ?

[the_rajah]

I suspect the answer will be no, but a geek can always hope.

But will they run Linux?

[solevita]

Wow, a genuine reason to ask the question, you don't get one of those everyday!

About time.

[kabocox]

About time! Dell loses out on those that purchase those instore HP/Compaq machines. It shouldn't take much for Dell to actually compete in that market space, which would be good all round. Web sites + Shipping is good for some people, but for the crowd that travels to Walmart twice a week; it's just easier to buy something from a store that you are always in. Plus think of the builtin marketing of just having the machines in the stores.

Better idea than what Gateway tried.

[Shivetya]

I mean, who could have thought that having retail stores without immediate delivery was a good idea?

I disagree with what will happen to the perception of Dell's brand, they are big enough to withstand any ills that people might associate with Wal-Mart. Hell I am many others shop at Wal-Mart simply because of price. If low price is the story their selling its not something to be ashamed of. Plus Dell could be looking long term, get them into a lower end system through Wal-Mart and upsell them at a later date.

If Apple can go into Best Buy and survive the perception that many people of Best Buy sure Dell can handle anything from being associated with Wal-Mart

Re:Sold at Wal-Mart != low quality

[Red Flayer]

The difference being that the Walmart version is always inferior at some level.

This is because Walmart demands a lower price every year. Sometimes this can be met via economies of scale, but not after a few years. See Snapper mowers for an example of a business owner who said no.