Dell signs deal with Australian retailer

Dell will offer laptops, desktops, monitors and printers in 104 Officeworks stores in Australia

Dell has signed a deal to sell its products through Australian retailer Officeworks, offering laptops, desktops, monitors and printers in 104 stores across the country.

The vendor's first retail partnership in Australia will run alongside 13 sales kiosks already in operation.

"Today's announcement gives customers the option to call, click or visit and have access to Dell's award-winning products in Australia," said Evan Williams, general manager of consumer sales and marketing for South Asia at Dell.

"While we continue to see growth in our online business in Australia, we recognise that some people want to touch and feel our products first.

"Our partnership with Officeworks will enable them to do this before buying a computer that meets their specifications."

The deal marks the latest in a string of retail partnerships established since early 2007. Dell had previously relied solely on a direct sales model in which consumers purchased products either online or by phone.

When Dell lost its top spot to rival HP at the end of 2006, the company brought founder Michael Dell back as chief executive looked for new ways to reach customers.

Other Dell retail deals include partnerships with Wal-Mart, Carphone Warehouse and Carrefour.