Dell Goes Retail in Japan

Continuing its new venture into selling retail, computer maker Dell Inc. is partnering with a Japanese retailer to sell products there.

Bic Camera Inc. will sell some Dell notebook and desktop personal computer models at its 22 stores throughout Japan starting in August, Dell said last week.

The Bic Camera announcement follows another announcement last week by UK-based mobile retailer Carphone Warehouse Group PLC that, starting in September, it will give away a coupon for a free low-end Dell Inspiron notebook computer to anyone who signs a two-year contract for Internet access.

Dell previously operated only a direct model, selling its computers directly to consumers online or by telephone order. But with its sales declining of late -- it lost the top-selling PC brand title to Hewlett-Packard Co. last year -- it has ventured into selling retail.

Dell has set up kiosks in shopping malls or in specific stores where customers can see some models in person. But the kiosks have no inventory so customers still have to purchase online.

Dell has operated "Real Site" kiosks in Bic Camera stores and at other Japanese retail sites since 2000. Dell also operates kiosks in the U.S.

Bic Camera will sell Dell models including the new XPS M1330 performance notebook, the Inspiron 1520 and 6400 notebooks and the Inspiron 530s desktop computers.