James,
The "retail stores" are more like show rooms. They do take orders but they don't carry inventory. Ordering from the store or via the net or over phone is all the same.....in that you still get the product delivered via mail. In other words, Gateway continues to use the same build to order, direct model even though they have store fronts. BTW, they opened a store front in my town a few weeks back. The place is getting a lot of traffic and I'm sure spurring on new incremental sales. I think some people who have been hesitant to order from the big three mail order outfits (Dell, Gateway, and Micron) might be more inclined to do so if they can see the products and play with them first hand.
BTW, I just received a GTW GP400 and I'm very happy with it. I have dealt with and bought from Dell, Gateway, and Micron for both home and work PC's. I think all three companies offer solid products and good support. Dell is getting a little arrogant in that they aren't as flexible as Gateway or Micron. For example, they refuse to offer a full tower....which rules them out for my needs. Also, I wanted a SCSI CD-ROM. Gateway and Micron offer a SCSI CD with a SCSI adapter while allowing you to get an IDE hard drive. If you want a SCSI CD in your Dell you have to buy a SCSI hard drive also (which adds several hundred dollars and for my needs is overkill).
My first Gateway was a 386-25Mhz. I have watched this company almost daily for many many years (long before they went public). I don't think their best days are in the past at all. Don't underestimate Ted.
BTW, none of these comments are meant to suggest that I think GTW is a buy at these levels. I have no position in GTW at the present time although I have done well with the stock in the past (bought at IPO). I currently believe the stock is towards the high end of the valuation scale. Although as a stock I see better value elsewhere, I think GTW is an excellent company with a bright future.
FF |
