Dell Shuts Down Retail Kiosks

Round Rock (TX) - Dell announced this week that it will shut down all of its 140 interactive kiosks throughout the US.

The kiosks were part of Dell's "Direct Store" model, and first made their way to retail space in 2002. The touch-screen computer screens allowed consumers to pick and choose what features they wanted and then place their order.

Dell said it wants to focus more exclusively on direct-to-consumer sales through its website, as well as a more direct retail strategy, offering its products in existing big box retailers.

"Ever since we began our journey into retail, we wanted to give customers the opportunity to call, click, or visit Dell and have access to our award-winning products. This move fits in with how our broad global retail strategy is evolving," said Dell vice president Tony Weiss in a statement.