Dell takes retail venture Down Under in partnership with Officeworks

SYDNEY, Australia Dell today announced a partnership with Officeworks to sell a range of Dell products in the retailer's 104 stores across Australia.

Shoppers will be able to try Dell products before making purchases and will have the option of configuring and ordering a custom product online or buying a Dell laptop or desktop with standard configurations in the stores. Products available in stores include the XPS M1330 laptop, the Inspiron line and selected printers, ink and flat-panel displays.

"While we continue to see growth in our online business in Australia, we recognize some people want to touch and feel our products first," stated Evan William, gm of consumer sales and marketing, South Asia for Dell Inc. "Our partnership with Officeworks will enable them to do this before buying a computer that meets their specifications."

David Oakley, gm of marketing and merchandising for Officeworks added, "Dell's selection of Officeworks as a major retail partner in Australia shows we are building on our strong position as a destination for IT solutions. The addition of Dell's products reinforces our commitment to deliver customers the widest range of products at the lowest prices. Our stores will not only stock 10 Dell computers not available elsewhere in Australia, but will also have the capability to order tailored solutions for customers within the store."

The partnership with Officeworks is just one among many the formerly retail-wary company has been making lately to reach more customers worldwide. It also recently announced relationships with Croma stores in India; Best Buy and Staples in the United States and Canada; Carrefour in Europe; Courts in Singapore; Bic Camera in Japan; Carphone Warehouse, Tesco and DSGi in the United Kingdom; Wal-Mart in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina; and Gome, Suning, Hontu and several PC-chain retailers in China.