Software Warehouse aims high with its own PC line

Mail-order reseller Software Warehouse is branching out into hardware with its own brand PC line.

The new hardware brand, called Northwood, is due to be launched in April. Sources describe it as a high brand at a low price point, aimed at business buyers.

Software Warehouse looks set to terminate its agreement to retail Viglen machines in its nine retail outlets, following the Northwood launch.

Steve Bennett, chairman of the fast-growing Birmingham reseller, declined to comment on Northwood but said customers were ?constantly? asking for PCs.

Software Warehouse turned over about #40 million last year, and is aiming for #100 million next year.

In December, the company announced its aims to launch a further 12 outlets, in addition to its existing nine, within 12 months. An Australian mail-order branch was launched three months ago.

Bennett said: ?In the first two weeks we have doubled our expectations, and achieved the target for the first month.?

Software Warehouse last month launched wholesaling operation Trade Warehouse.