Dell Everywhere

Posted on April 21, 2008
Filed Under China Business, China Distribution |

n a further move away from its old direct-to-consumer business model, Dell (DELL) has formally announced plans to sell laptop and desktop computers in Suning’s consumer electronics stores and to expand its relationship with Gome, the top consumer electronics retailer in China.

…Dell says it will also sell systems in Hontu stores and through several computer chain retailers including Wuxing, Meicheng, Heng Chang and Heyong stores. Beginning this month, the number of Gome stores in which customers can buy Dell products is doubling to nearly 900. Suning customers will initially be able to buy a range of Dell laptops and desktops in more than 300 stores with that number increasing in the future.

What’s notable is Dell’s expanding relationship with the second-tier retailers. I haven’t seen any Q1 sales figures being trumpeted yet, so it’s not clear how well this effort is translating into actual sales.