Time called on specialist stores

PC maker closes eight outlets

Systems builder and retailer Time claimed that the closure of some stores will make it more competitive.

As predicted by vnunet.com's sister publication Computer Reseller News, the company last week closed down eight of its independent mobile and networking TimeTalk stores and integrated them into its high street sites.

Time said that the decision will allow it to compete "head-on" with rival retailers and follows its announcement that it was moving selected stores to "higher footfall locations".

According to the company, customers will now be offered a "one-stop shop" providing PCs and mobile technology in all 140 Time stores across the UK.

Sales director Colin Silcock said that customers preferred stores which sell a range of IT products. "Sales have been stronger since the transition of our stores into one-stop IT shops where we offer PCs, peripherals, consumables and accessories, as well as mobile communication products," he claimed.

Over the last six months the company has moved these products into single outlets, providing a lower overhead structure which made the firm more competitive.

An industry expert said the move could be a smart one on the part of Time, because it would save the company money. "From a business and money saving perspective, it seems logical that Time would create one-stop shops and put everything together in one place," he said.

But he questioned whether TimeTalk is working. "TimeTalk is not a big name in the mobile market by any means," he explained, adding that this was a good time for the company to "take remedial action and see how the market goes".