Dell has launched a pilot program with Walmart to test an in-home installation and repair service for a wide array of consumer electronics from big screen televisions to laptop computers.
The new service known as "Solutions Centers by Dell" will be located at 15 Walmart stores in the Dallas area. The service will bring with it immediate comparisons to Best Buy's Geek Squad and Circuit City's Firedog services.
According to a statement by Walmart, the pilot will give the retailer "an opportunity for us to understand more about what our customers need and expect in home installation and technology services, within a specific market."
The test with Dell continues to move Walmart toward its stated goal of developing the higher end of its consumers electronics business. The retailer has begun selling more sophisticated equipment and begun selling extended warranties for items that come with higher price tags than those normally associated with a Walmart shopper.
The cost of services offered by the "Solutions Centers by Dell" are priced much more with Walmart shoppers in mind. The cost of installing computer memory by Dell's team will cost between $29 and $99. A comparable service offered by the Geek Squad will run $39 to $139.
Discussion Questions: Will there be sufficient demand from Walmart's regular customers for the "Solutions Centers by Dell" to justify the program? Will the program and higher-end merchandise bring new shoppers into Walmart that might otherwise shop at Best Buy, Circuit City or other consumer electronics retailer?