Dell eventually plans to sell through other retailers, too, and
might open its own stores. The move is crucial: The consumer sector is the strongest part of the computer market now, and Dell's sales have been hurt by its lack of a retail presence.
Pacific Crest Securities estimates that teaming up with a major retailer could boost Dell sales by as much as $800 million a year, a 14% increase. But if Dell is to succeed on the retail front, it must expand its reach quickly, says J.P. Gownder, a principal analyst with Forrester Research.
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