Gateway puts stock in Country stores
The PC maker made the announcement on Monday, two days before revealing third-quarter sales figures.
Following the lead of Apple Computer--which sells its computers and other devices in retail stores--Gateway plans to offer software, printers and digital cameras, camcorders and music players through its 272 Country stores. Although the Poway, Calif.-based company already sells a limited-number of PCs from its retail stores, those sites had been more showcases for products than places to buy them.
"That's been a very important strategy for us, to have some PC models on hand for people to buy," Gateway spokesman Brad Williams said. "All of these new items will be available on a cash-and-carry basis as well."
Gateway plans to carry about new 150 items in its retail stores.
In a related announcement, Gateway plans to unveil a 42-inch plasma TV on Nov. 4, as it once again makes a big move for the living room. The plasma TV will mark Gateway's second foray into home entertainment. In 1996, the computer manufacturer released the Destination PC, a home computing/entertainment system that sold with only modest success.
Gateway would not disclose pricing for the big-screen TV, but Williams said that it would be "very competitive."