Staples Inc., New York, has begun liquidating stock of personal computers at its U.S. stores to focus on built-to-order sales in a bid to boost profitability.
The nation’s second largest office supply retailer has seen sales of its pre-built computer business slow with the downturn of the U.S, economy. Some 200 stores halted stocking up on built-up personal computers on Sept. 15.
“Eventually we will raise that number to 400 stores,” Staples spokesman Tom Nutile said in a statement.
Nutile said the move was part of the company’s bid to refocus on small business customers, who want computers configured to their own specifications and are a good stream of revenue.
Nutile said the pre-built computer business was facing “pretty much a slowdown”. “We do expect that this step will obviously contribute to the bottomline,” he added.
He said the build-to-order segment will carry machines from Compaq Computer Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. The two names also featured in the pre-built inventory that is being pulled off the shelves.
Personal computer sales have been on the decline and after years of strong growth are expected to decline in 2001 from last year as consumer demand fails to materialize.
