HP to Offer Build-To-Order HP Pavilion PCs at Circuit
City Stores Nationwide; HP Expands Consumer Choice and Distribution by Selling
Customized Home PCs Through Retail Channel
(Business Wire; 07/08/98)
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 8, 1998-- Hewlett-Packard Company
today announced it will take part in a program to give consumers shopping for
home PCs at Circuit City retail stores the option to use an electronic kiosk to
configure an HP Pavilion 8300 PC with the features and capabilities they
prefer.
The build-to-order (BTO) pilot program will begin in late summer in certain
Circuit City stores and is expected to be rolled out nationwide to more than
510 Circuit City super stores by late fall.
"HP is working with Circuit City to put the convenience of retail and the
choice of the direct channel into the hands of retail consumers by letting
consumers customize their own HP Pavilion PCs," said Harry W. (Webb) McKinney,
general manager of HP's Home Products Division. "Enabling customers,
especially enthusiasts, to personalize their home PCs while maintaining HP's
high standards for quality and customer care is an exciting concept."
"We are excited to have HP involved in this program," said Alan McCollough,
president and chief operating officer of Circuit City. "While expanding
selection and computing possibilities, the Circuit City BTO program also gives
the consumer who enjoys the in-store shopping experience access to more
options."
Assisted by a Circuit City sales counselor, customers will be able to use
the interactive kiosk's touch screen to learn about, select and order the
desired PC configuration. Upon submitting the order electronically, customers
can expect the HP-built PC to be shipped directly to them within approximately
seven to 10 business days.
HP will use the HP Pavilion PC 8300 series, introduced last week, to launch
the build-to-order program. Features that customers can select to personalize
their PCs include processor, memory, disk space, the presence of a CD-ROM or
DVD drive, monitors and other accessories. This build-to-order method also
allows consumers to design their HP Pavilion PCs to fit within a specific
budget by enabling them to view the prices of their customized PCs before
submitting their orders.
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