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

Re:Ubuntu

[Applekid]

I doubt they'd have Ubuntu pre-installed. This reeks of a scam.

Walmart is huge, and putting cheap windows machines there will mean they will get bought by many. Then Dell can come back to sales figures and go, "See? We told you! Consumers just don't want Linux on their computers," and then discontinue the line. Microsoft leaves happy, Dell leaves happy, and the average customer doesn't even know what hit them.

I was WONDERING why Dell was getting so cozy with the idea of selling Linux machines without a lot of hoop-jumping.

A major change in emphasis

[mcrbids]

Dell got its name by selling direct. Dell == Direct. After spending 20 years proving to everybody that "direct is better and cheaper", them selling direct thru a major distributor like Wally World is a major, major change in their product placement and emphasis.

They must be REALLY HURTING to go for a deal like this! For premium brands, it seems like selling thru Wal-Mart is the kiss of death. You could almost say it's like a TV show "jumping the shark" - either your company just sells cruddy products thru Wal-Mart or you have a flagging premium brand and you just want to cash in on what's left of your good name.

And, in case you have no idea what I'm talking about, take a look at The Wal-Mart You Don't Know...