AOL Money & Finance

Dell sales brisk at Wal-Mart, according to 'report'

More

It's odd that anyone can say Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) is suddenly the most popular PC vendor at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) but, according to a new report from Pacific Crest computer hardware analyst Brent Bracelin, this is the case. While I'm not sure how this information was collected, computed and analyzed, the claims of this report are sure to garner some comments. Since the press release does not mention anything specific, was this analyst just trying to grab a headline? Something as significant as this should provide very acute data collection specifics. Not here, though. If I'm a DELL investor, "feedback from stores" is nowhere near enough information to satisfy my curiosity.

Were at least 30 Wal-Mart stores contacted (for statistical validity) and empirical sales data on Dell system sales collected? I'm wondering how some "feedback from Wal-Mart stores" can turn into a "report" that states Dell is doing well at Wal-Mart? While I don't disagree here, the specific methodology and data collection would be welcome to back up an opinion.

Oddly, though, I do agree with the report. Wal-Mart's PC offerings were quite lame and stagnant and have been for some time. When laptops are available for $400 and $500 at Best Buy Inc. (NASDAQ: BBY) or elsewhere, the cost advantage of buying a PC at Wal-Mart never materialized from what I've seen. In every Wal-Mart, the laptop systems were never turned on and the desktop systems were in a box (no display at all).

Although this is the same for Dell's newer systems at the retailer, the aisle placement and visual display real estate have been second to none. Customers recognize the Dell name (imagine that) and have apparently responded with their wallets. Is it surprising that Dell has become the most popular PC brand and seller at Wal-Mart? Not at all -- but if Dell can continue to see sales in large numbers at Wal-Mart, the PC maker may have a bright spot on its radar this year.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Symbol Lookup
IndexesChangePrice
DJIA+30.6910,464.40
NASDAQ+6.872,176.05
S&P 500+4.981,110.63

Last updated: November 26, 2009: 06:26 AM

BloggingStocks Exclusives

Hot Stocks

DailyFinance Headlines

Latest from BloggingBuyouts

TheFlyOnTheWall.com Headlines

    BioHealth Investor Headlines

    WalletPop Headlines

    My Portfolios

    Track your stocks here!

    Find out why more people track their portfolios on AOL Money & Finance then anywhere else.

    BloggingStocks Partners

    More from AOL Money & Finance

    WalletPop Headlines