Wal-Mart Testing Home Services With Dell
By Alan Wolf -- TWICE, 7/22/2008
Dallas — Wal-Mart will begin testing a CE service model this month with Dell.
The pilot program will be offered through “Solution Stations” located in 15 Dallas-area Wal-Mart stores, the retailer said. The Dell-managed effort will provide HDTV and home theater installation, computer repair, wireless solutions and other support services to help customers “build out their digital lifestyle infrastructure at home.”
There are no present plans to expand the service outside of Dallas or to other area stores, Wal-Mart said.
“The program provides an opportunity for us to understand more about what our customers need and expect in home installation and technology services within a specific market,” the discounter said in a statement. “These Solution Stations will provide our Dallas-area customers with added services, repair, and consultation so that they can reach the best solution and value for their home entertainment technology needs.”
Wal-Mart described Dell as “a trusted brand in service and computer electronics,” and said it is pleased to have Dell join it in the venture pilot.
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I think Wal-Mart is well-aware of its limitations; that's why it's outsourcing its home services pilot to Dell.
Rufus Lee King - 2008-25-7 11:19:00 EDT -
Let's not be naive about this. I think we all spoke that way about best Buy years ago. Now - Geek Squad installation has penetrated all markets, Magnolia Home Theater store-within-a-store is providing more upscale goods that we ever thought form a big box giant, and I just read they have 300 ISF certified calibrators on staff with 500 slated by years end. If Wal-Mart wants to get into the service segment, we need to be sure not to “discount†(no pun) their efforts. The world’s largest retailer is quite cunning… I would watch them closely!
Alan Castleman - 2008-24-7 16:53:00 EDT -
Walmarts business model is not set up to provide good service in anything. Home Theater is very customer oriented, it takes time and a good staff to do it well. I don't see walmart overseeing this process to make sure it works well. Walmart is not interested in service, its niche is lower prices with no extras such as providing a good customer experience
brian g - 2008-23-7 10:50:00 EDT -
Im not so sure the CE industry cliental shops at Wal-Mart. Most people that shop at Wal-Mart can barely afford the junk they sell.
keith - 2008-23-7 08:54:00 EDT
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