Wal-Mart Stores Inc. began dabbling in computer repair this month by leasing store space to break-fix shop Computer Doctor Franchise Systems.
Computer Doctor, Aberdeen, S.C,, will provide basic computer repair services for Wal-Mart customers out of 10 of the retail giant's supercenters. The first location opened in Ankeny, Iowa, this month; the other nine repair sites will open over the next 18 months.
Wal-Mart initiated the deal with Computer Doctor last February as a way to augment computer sales and enter the computer service arena, said Lonnie Helgerson, founder of Computer Doctor.
An average of 250 Wal-Mart customers a day are walking through Computer Doctor's repair shop since the first location was opened on Sept. 15, said Helgerson.
The sites will provide break-fix and warranty services, install components and even resell new and used computers and related hardware including printers, cables and notebooks.
Wal-Mart is testing out different business endeavors in the front of its stores, such as in the case of Computer Doctor. Other endeavors include coffee and bath-and-body storefronts.
Wal-Mart is not the only retail giant looking to step into the break-fix arena. Office Depot (NYSE:ODP) also approached Computer Doctor to provide services out of up to 50 of its locations, but the deal never came to fruition, said Helgerson.
"This is definitely a sign that on the consumer side, hardware repair and related services are in high demand, "said Helgerson.
Wal-Mart sells computers out of 1,400 of its locations. The new computer repair storefronts are a "test" of new ways Wal-Mart can better serve the needs of its customers, said a company spokeswoman.
Source: http://www.crn.com/it-channel/18832459;jsessionid=J1AYA2KFK3HXZQE1GHPCKH4ATMY32JVN
Lets Discuss.
Computer Doctor, Aberdeen, S.C,, will provide basic computer repair services for Wal-Mart customers out of 10 of the retail giant's supercenters. The first location opened in Ankeny, Iowa, this month; the other nine repair sites will open over the next 18 months.
Wal-Mart initiated the deal with Computer Doctor last February as a way to augment computer sales and enter the computer service arena, said Lonnie Helgerson, founder of Computer Doctor.
An average of 250 Wal-Mart customers a day are walking through Computer Doctor's repair shop since the first location was opened on Sept. 15, said Helgerson.
The sites will provide break-fix and warranty services, install components and even resell new and used computers and related hardware including printers, cables and notebooks.
Wal-Mart is testing out different business endeavors in the front of its stores, such as in the case of Computer Doctor. Other endeavors include coffee and bath-and-body storefronts.
Wal-Mart is not the only retail giant looking to step into the break-fix arena. Office Depot (NYSE:ODP) also approached Computer Doctor to provide services out of up to 50 of its locations, but the deal never came to fruition, said Helgerson.
"This is definitely a sign that on the consumer side, hardware repair and related services are in high demand, "said Helgerson.
Wal-Mart sells computers out of 1,400 of its locations. The new computer repair storefronts are a "test" of new ways Wal-Mart can better serve the needs of its customers, said a company spokeswoman.
Source: http://www.crn.com/it-channel/18832459;jsessionid=J1AYA2KFK3HXZQE1GHPCKH4ATMY32JVN
Lets Discuss.
