Dallas Gets it First

Ooooh I feel so much better now knowing that I can rush right down to WalMart in my area and have the feller in the Blue Smock louse up mu computer more than I can! The Solution Stations that are to be placed in selected WalMart stores will pilot in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. –

Wal-Mart Stores Inc, as part of a pilot program, is opening “Solution Stations” in a small number of its Dallas-area stores to offer technology services, like home theater installation and computer repair.

In a statement on its website dated July 14, Wal-Mart says the stations will be managed with Dell Inc and 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.”

Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, describes the program as a small pilot.

“There are no plans at this time to expand the service outside of Dallas other than to 15 select stores,” Wal-Mart states.

Wal-Mart’s competitors like Best Buy Co Inc and Circuit City Stores Inc already offer technology services as a way to differentiate themselves and cut down on the number electronics, particularly flat-panel TVs, that are returned after customers get the gadgets home but cannot use them properly.

Dell is an interesting choice Dell has championed the online sales and support model for years. They typically contract out the physical touch phase. It would not be a play to Dell’s strength in my opinion. Even given my reservations, I hope they make a go of it. Consumers need something better than FireDog and Geeks.

Linky.