Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Dell Technologies Inc. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: kemble s. matter who wrote (139821)	8/18/1999 2:42:00 PM
From: Calvin	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 176387

Best joke that I've heard in quite a while -------------------------------------------------------------- Compaq opens stores in Australia By Michael Kanellos Staff Writer, CNET News.com August 17, 1999, 7:35 p.m. PT Taking one more step down the path toward direct sales, Compaq said it plans to open retail outlets in Australia. "The world of personal computing is changing and we are changing with it," Ian Penman, managing director of Compaq Australia, said in a statement. He added that the stores will be branded with the Compaq name. Compaq's decision comes at a time when traditional computer makers are trying to keep up with the rapid growth of companies such as Dell, which sell directly to the customer. Companies that sell directly to customers also have been able to sell for lower prices, or for more profit, because the costs associated with direct sales are lower. A shift to direct sales, however, comes with its own problems, including conflicts with computer dealers. Compaq's Australia plan is proving no exception. Harvey Norman, a retail group in Australia, has decided to drop Compaq products as a result of the new stores. Analysts and computer executives have said that these conflicts can potentially lead to depressed sales as dealers switch allegiances to other brands. It is uncertain whether Compaq will open stores in the United States. Gateway has attributed part of its recent sales increases to its Country Store outlets. Customers do not buy equipment at Country Stores. Rather, the stores exist to let customers "test drive" Gateway computers, which they then can order online.