I was reading blogginstocks the other day and noticed the commentary on Wal-Mart's PC Merchandising.  The first bullet point was a bit hard to swallow: "Why even carry PCs is you display them like this".  I must be honest here:  I agree.  We have sold our fare share of computers over the years, but really haven't focused on improving the customer experience and addressing the concerns that bloggingstocks brings up.  When I took over the PC business last August, this was the first area on my list that I wanted to address. 

As you read down the blog, the next question is "Why is Wal-Mart stepping up to the plate".  Well, here is Wal-Mart stepping up to the plate!!  On May 19th, we will begin addressing some of the merchandising issues we have experienced in the past to help make the PC shopping experience easier for customers.  With over 3,800 stores, you are bound to see some variations of what I am about to show you but know we do recognize a need to change. 

The biggest change is in our Laptop area.  Here is a mock up of what the new counter will look like:

 Again, this is just a mock up but you can see that this is quite a change from our current display at stores.  The biggest changes are the helpful signing that will allow you to determine your end use then match up that end use (thru the use of icons) to one of the computers at the store, as well as merchandising the product by brand.  We have spent the last few years developing our brand portfolio and are proud of the brands that we can offer to customers.  The "Best For" signing allows customers to figure out what computer best fits their needs.

You can then match the icons to the screens on each of the laptops (seen in the first picture) as well as the fact flags below the laptops.  The fact flag is meant to clean up the language and speak more to the customers needs.  Here is an example:

 As you can see this is a major change from where we currently our.  We also know that a lot of our customers are researching online at walmart.com or other websites before they ever come to the store so we are working to integrate our online experience to be similar to what you see in the store. 

These are some big changes.  We are very excited to roll them out to all our customers.  I would hope that you would at least consider us for your next pc purchase.  Whether you are buying online at walmart.com, buying on line and shipping it to your local store via site to store, or happen to be browsing the new look on your next trip to Wal-Mart to buy deodorant or cereal, give us a try.

Would love to hear your feedback.  What do you think of the changes?  What else are we missing?  

 Thanks,

RH