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Wal-Mart to sell build-your-own computers

Kelemvor

Kelemvor

Lifer
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060503/bs_nm/retail_walmart_computers_dc

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT - news) will start selling build-your-own-computer components in more than one-third of its U.S. discount stores this month as it looks for ways to tempt shoppers to buy more than just low-margin food.

Wal-Mart currently offers only prepackaged bundles of personal computers and accessories in most of its stores. With the build-your-own-computer counters, shoppers can choose between several different components.

Such components include central processing units -- the brain of the computer that powers its basic functions -- as well as monitors, keyboards and mice that customers can combine to create customized packages they can load in a shopping cart and take home right away.

The retailer began testing build-your-own computer counters in about 20 locations last year, and is now introducing them in 1,200 of its 3,200 U.S. discount stores, spokeswoman Jolanda Stewart told Reuters.

It expects to offer the merchandise in some 1,400 stores by the end of the year, and possibly more in 2007.

Wal-Mart's entry into a category can raise alarms because the retailer's persistent price-cutting pressures competitors' profit margins. It has been blamed for bankruptcies in sectors ranging from groceries and toys.

But analysts said it was unlikely that Wal-Mart would pose much of a threat to the likes of Dell Inc. (Nasdaq😀ELL - news), which mastered the made-to-order computer model and offers a much wider selection. They also noted that Dell makes most of its money selling computers to businesses rather than individuals.

Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer, is the No. 1 seller of products ranging from dog food to diamonds, but it has not managed to gain as much market share in computers. Wal-Mart made a big splash last November when it sold laptop computers for $398 on the day after Thanksgiving, however.

Forrester Research analyst Ted Schadler, who follows the consumer technology sector, said Wal-Mart has the potential to become a key destination for computer shoppers.

"People buy on price," he said. "If Wal-Mart is competitive on price -- which of course it will be -- it's easy for Wal-Mart to be a destination."

Wal-Mart has been adding more upscale merchandise such as flat-panel televisions and fashionable clothing in the hope of getting customers to buy more than just food and commodity items, which carry low profit margins.
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🙂 It's actually amusing when you think about it... Typical Wal-Mart shoppers are going to say "well, I built my own computer myself" and they're actually going to mean "I picked out which keyboard I wanted, which mouse I wanted, and which tower I wanted."
 
As long as the components are from quality manufacturers ... could hurt some businesses I guess.

ie. As much as I <3 Newegg (and I do), if Wal-Mart is selling the same sticks of RAM/that motherboard I need at cheaper prices you bet I'm going there instead of buying online & waiting for shipping.
 
Originally posted by: DrPizza
🙂 It's actually amusing when you think about it... Typical Wal-Mart shoppers are going to say "well, I built my own computer myself" and they're actually going to mean "I picked out which keyboard I wanted, which mouse I wanted, and which tower I wanted."
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lol, probably since I doubt a typical walmartian could assemble a computer...
 
Unless they can beat the prices NewEgg and ZipZoomFly offer, forget it. And now that I think about it, sales tax will be a given, so uhhhhhh,...... NOPE.
 
If I can get same quality parts with lower price than Dell/HP/Gateway/etc. hotdeals, why not?

I don't understand why some of you posters hate WM so much. Afterall, it is just a business just any other businesses. I never work for them or own any of their stocks but as long as they have the goods that I need with lower prices, then I will continue to shop there.

<<<----- will bargain shop <hot deal/closeout/clearance> at any places, any where, any time.
 
... My local walmart has carried some components for at least 3 years now.

Add in mobos, processors, cases and PSUs and "tada!" Build your own computer.

Expect lots of PC Chips motherboards to be lining the shelves.
 
Originally posted by: Svnla
If I can get same quality parts with lower price than Dell/HP/Gateway/etc. hotdeals, why not?

I don't understand why some of you posters hate WM so much. Afterall, it is just a business just any other businesses. I never work for them or own any of their stocks but as long as they have the goods that I need with lower prices, then I will continue to shop there.

<<<----- will bargain shop <hot deal/closeout/clearance> at any places, any where, any time.
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I'm with you.:thumbsup: This can only be a good thing as far as I'm concerned.

 
I wonder if it will be the same situation in computer parts as it is with some electronics that Wal-Mart sells. It's not unusual for Wal-Mart to sell a particular item which is similar but not identical to the model sold everywhere else. It could have a shorter warranty or fewer features.

Anyway, just make sure you know what you're getting.
 
They've sold components like CD and DVD drives/burners for years. And their prices have been outrageous compared to the marketplace. I don't expect this to go over very well.
 
Originally posted by: SearchMaster
They've sold components like CD and DVD drives/burners for years. And their prices have been outrageous compared to the marketplace. I don't expect this to go over very well.
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You're missing the fact that the average WM shopper isn't keen on market prices of hardware.
 
Originally posted by: Mike
Originally posted by: SearchMaster
They've sold components like CD and DVD drives/burners for years. And their prices have been outrageous compared to the marketplace. I don't expect this to go over very well.
Click to expand...

You're missing the fact that the average WM shopper isn't keen on market prices of hardware.
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It doesn't matter. The program is going to fail, simply because the bulk of their business will have no clue about building their own computers. There are just not enough brain cells in that market, let alone, if you bring the whole family in, they, combined might have enough teeth to fill one mouth. Face it, Wal-Mart, people with #3 and Nascar stickers on thier bumpers, are not the sharpest tools in the shed! 😉

 
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
I'm sorry, but the Wal-Mart riff-raff ain't smart enough to configure their own systems.
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I shop at walmart buddy ! 😀
 
Originally posted by: Geekbabe
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
I'm sorry, but the Wal-Mart riff-raff ain't smart enough to configure their own systems.
Click to expand...

I shop at walmart buddy ! 😀
Click to expand...

I'm sorry to hear that. 😉

They do have great bargains on femine hygene items. I have not been able to break my wife of the habit. 😉

 
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Originally posted by: Geekbabe
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
I'm sorry, but the Wal-Mart riff-raff ain't smart enough to configure their own systems.
Click to expand...

I shop at walmart buddy ! 😀
Click to expand...

I'm sorry to hear that. 😉

They do have great bargains on femine hygene items. I have not been able to break my wife of the habit. 😉
Click to expand...


I love Walmart ! but then I'm smart enough to know how to WIN free computers 😀
 
Originally posted by: Geekbabe
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Originally posted by: Geekbabe
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
I'm sorry, but the Wal-Mart riff-raff ain't smart enough to configure their own systems.
Click to expand...

I shop at walmart buddy ! 😀
Click to expand...

I'm sorry to hear that. 😉

They do have great bargains on femine hygene items. I have not been able to break my wife of the habit. 😉
Click to expand...


I love Walmart ! but then I'm smart enough to know how to WIN free computers 😀
Click to expand...

Well, howabout, next time you win some free computers, you kick one over my way? LOL
I'm losing my geeky edge. I'm typing on a dinosaur I built over 5 years ago. :shocked:

 
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Originally posted by: Geekbabe
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Originally posted by: Geekbabe
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
I'm sorry, but the Wal-Mart riff-raff ain't smart enough to configure their own systems.
Click to expand...

I shop at walmart buddy ! 😀
Click to expand...

I'm sorry to hear that. 😉

They do have great bargains on femine hygene items. I have not been able to break my wife of the habit. 😉
Click to expand...


I love Walmart ! but then I'm smart enough to know how to WIN free computers 😀
Click to expand...

Well, howabout, next time you win some free computers, you kick one over my way? LOL
I'm losing my geeky edge. I'm typing on a dinosaur I built over 5 years ago. :shocked:
Click to expand...

lol,I win another system my husband and son are next in line
 
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