Thursday April 20, 9:06 am Eastern Time
Compaq and Sears enter personal computer alliance
HOUSTON, April 20 (Reuters) - Compaq Computer Corp. (NYSE:CPQ - news) said Thursday it entered an alliance with Sears, Roebuck and Co. (NYSE:S - news) for its Presario Internet PCs to be sold in 860 Sears stores across the United States.
Under the multi-year pact, Compaq Presario PCs will be the only Windows-based desktop PC brand sold at Sears and Compaq will be the featured brand across all other of Sears' home computing PC categories including notebooks, printers, and monitors.
In addition to carrying a full line of Presario PC products, the retail giant will feature special Sears-only Presario configurations. In the near future, consumers will also be able to purchase other Presario models not available at retail locations through Sears kiosks or online at www.Sears.com.
The new Compaq home computing products are expected to be available at Sears starting in June and the two companies are also planning joint advertising and promotional campaigns later this year.
``By joining forces with Sears, a brand synonymous with trust and renowned for its strength in retail sales, financing and services, Compaq is able to offer Presario customers throughout America an exceptional retail experience,' said Ray Robidoux, Compaq's vice president for U.S. sales and marketing.
``Sears has made a strategic decision to offer our customers the best digital products available, and it was clear we needed to partner with a successful industry leader,' said Lyle Heidemann, president, Sears Hardlines. ``We selected Compaq as our preferred PC brand because of its proven track record as a market winner and its capability to have a significant impact on the success of our home electronics department.' |
