Dell evaluates EMEA channel
Walmart deal fuels speculation over whether Big Blue will work with Asda
Dell played its cards close to its chest over whether its agreement with Wal-Mart in the US would filter through to Wal-Mart-owned Asda stores in the UK, but revealed it was currently evaluating the EMEA market.
From 10 June, two new Dell desktops will be sold in more than 3,500 Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores.
In a statement to CRN, Dell said: “Dell customers are asking for additional ways to purchase its products and the company plans on delivering. While Dell can’t get into specifics, in the coming quarters there will be additional activity in support of this. The announcement with Wal-Mart represents the first step.”
An Asda representative said: “There is nothing to report as yet but never say never.”
Ed Anderson, European managing director of market watcher Levin Consulting, said: “The Wal-Mart move is quite an extreme step for Dell as retail is a very different animal. I imagine Dell will gauge how successful it is in the US before it looks at doing the same in the UK with Asda.”