The 'Red Shed' ratchets up PC play

Warehouse has tripled the number of PC brands in stock

By Louis van Wyk, Auckland | Friday, 07 March 2008
The Warehouse has tripled the number of PC brands it stocks.

From this week, the bargain retail giant will offer nine laptop models from three brands – Lenovo, Fujitsu and Packard Bell.

Both Fujitsu and Packard Bell are new brands to The Warehouse, which has stocked Lenovo laptops for more than a year.

The Warehouse wants to become a stronger player in the local technology retail market, says computer product buyer Dean Burrell. “We have some very aggressive targets for this business.”

However, Burrell says this is not a reaction to extra competition of Australian low-cost retailer JB Hi-Fi, which to date has had a broader range of IT products, including Apple and HP computers.

The Warehouse is also ramping up the display of its technology products. In larger stores all nine laptop models will be on display, surrounded by accessories such as notebook bags, wireless keyboards and software, says Burrell. “In smaller stores we will have fewer models on display, but customers will be able to order any of the products, which will be delivered to them directly.”