Dell Forges Retail Ties with Staples
10.22.07
by Mark Hachman
Dell said Monday that it will begin selling notebook and desktop computers, printers and other supplies in 1,400 Staples stores and on the Staples Web site.
The collaboration will launch on Nov. 11, when Staples will become the only office superstore to offer the Dell products.
The expansion continues Dell's on-again, off-again love affair with retail. Dell began selling PCs at Costco.com in 2002, launched kiosks in malls and at Sears, founded its own branded retail stores in the U.S. and in Moscow, tied up with retailer Gome in Japan, and began a business relationship with Wal-Mart to add kiosks in stores both in the U.S. and overseas. All told, Dell now sells products in 10,000 retail stores, according to the company.
However, the company still is the number-two vendor of PCs behind Hewlett-Packard, after leading the market for years.
The initial products offered at Staples will include the Inspiron 1721 and 1521 notebooks, Inspiron 530 desktops, Dell 948 and 926 all-in-one inkjet printers, Dell 1320c laser printer, Dell SE198WFP 19-inch widescreen flat panel LCD monitor, and the Dell E228WFP 22-inch widescreen flat panel LCD monitor. Additionally, Staples will offer ink and toner for most Dell printers, the companies said.
"Dell pioneered the "easy button" in computing through our direct business model. Now with Staples we're bringing all the benefits of direct to shoppers across America," said Michael Dell, chairman and chief executive of Dell, in a statement. "With Staples, we are underscoring our commitment to listen to customers and deliver what they want – new and exciting ways to experience Dell's award winning products with the same great prices and convenience."
Customers will also be able to recycle Dell ink cartridges at Staples stores in exchange for a $3 coupon to be used on a future ink purchase, the companies said. |
