EXCLUSIVE: Dick Smith “Pleased” With Windows 8 Demand

As Dick Smith goes heavy on Windows 8, CN caught up with Dick Smith PC buyer Matthew Barry to see how its going
Dick Smith went all out on Windows 8, Microsoft’s new touch based OS released late last month, offering an army of devices on the touch-based platform  – from Asus to HP and Toshiba, offering notebooks, Ultrabooks, tablets – 18 in all.

Dick Smith (now owned by Anchorage Capital) Windows 8 marketing drive included slashing 40% off all PC accessories with every W8 PC device and selling W8 Pro for $14.99 with all Windows 7 PCs purchased.

So has the big push on Windows 8 paid off?

“The response from customers has been pleasing,” and the release is also driving Windows 7 device sales,  Matthew Barry, Dick Smith’s PC buyer, told Channel News.

“The launch of the new-look Windows 8 metro platform has provoked interest from the market and our business has been able to provide the experience in-store.

“Windows 7 products are still moving through the market at a strong pace due to the Windows 8 upgrade offer which runs until the end of January,” he added.

What is Dick Smith’s strategy for Windows 8 products?

The launch of Windows 8 will encourage the use of new technologies like touch-enabled screens and slimmer designs, says Dick Smith Appcessories guru, and thus drive new devices sales.

“Our strategy is based around introducing these technologies and highlighting the benefits of integrating them into day to day life.”

The new Windows 8 gear Dick is selling include Toshiba 14.4″ Cinema HD ultrabook, and Asus touch based notebooks starting at a cheap $498 (F202E-CT063H) with the retailer carrying several Asus models exclusively in Oz.

“The introduction and growing awareness of key innovations that compliment the Windows 8 operating system, combined with our core range of key value products (our key value lines at each segment relating to each CPU type) make up our offer to the market for the launch of Windows 8,” Barry added.

Windows 8 is available for download to upgrade existing qualifying Windows PCs in more than 140 markets worldwide, including Australia.