By Chris Nicholls

SYDNEY: Dell has announced it will enter the Australian retail market through a tie-up with Officeworks.

Dell, which has sold PCs through its online store exclusively, said this morning it will sell standard configurations of its XPS M1330 laptop, Inspiron laptops and desktops, and selected printers, ink and flat-panel displays through all 104 Officeworks stores.

Officeworks customers will also be able to configure and order a custom product online, as per the usual Dell sales method, assisted by trained Officeworks consultants.

“Today’s announcement gives customers the option to call, click or visit and have access to Dell’s award-winning products in Australia,” said Dell South Asia Consumer Sales and Marketing general manager, Evan Williams.

“Whilst we continue to see growth in our online business in Australia, we recognise 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 exact specifications.”

The local partnership is the latest in a long line of retail distribution agreements forged around the globe, including in India, America, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Japan and China.

Dell Australia said its 13 kiosks located in shopping malls in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, would remain trading.