| Tuesday, January 23, 2007 |
| Windows Vista in retail store shelves from Tuesday next week |
Retailers to burn midnight oil for VistaNext week, most of America’s retailers would stay awake well past midnight. The move is in anticipation of the arrival of the new Vista, which is expected to go on sale after midnight on Tuesday.
The midnight madness has prompted retailers like CompUSA to keep its stores open past midnight on Tuesday, so that shoppers can get the new operating system as soon as it goes on sale. Other players like Best Buy and Circuit City are also planning to keep some of its stores open late to cash in on the new Vista.
The operating system's hardware needs are seen as offering retailers a big opportunity in the form of consumer support--both installing the operating system and upgrading machines to be more Vista-capable.
It may be recalled here that in August 1995 when Microsoft launched Windows 95, it had managed to get people line up for blocks to buy it.
Though not all retailers are counting on Vista, it is expected to have a big impact in the market, said analysts. CompUSA feels that it wants to ensure it can offer enthusiasts a first crack at Vista. A spokesman for the retailer said that it is a once-in-five-years opportunity to have the chance for incremental business. It also gives an opportunity to have an event, to drive extra awareness and extra sales.
Further, sellers might also announce freebies to those who buy the new products. While CompUSA said it is planning doorbuster deals on a variety of add-ons that go well with Vista, such as LCD screens, video cards, memory cards and hard drives, Circuit City is hoping to tap some Super Bowl excitement by bringing NFL celebrities in to its stores to sign autographs. And, Best Buy is trying to promote Vista throughout its stores, with displays not only in the computer section but also in areas like digital photography and home theaters, where the new operating system can also play a role
Meanwhile, Microsoft itself is offering Vista online through its Windows Marketplace software site.Labels: Tech |
| posted by a correspondent @ 12:51 AM |
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