Dell Stores Will Be No Apple Stores

Dell's decision to open up two retail stores has been the subject of much talk lately, and Apple's name comes up more than once as people compare Dell to Apple and simply conclude that the former cannot hope to compete with the latter unless it drastically changes its policy.

For one thing, Dell intends to make the store inventory-less. This means that when you walk into one, it is just like buying a Dell from home, except you have a Dell employee there with you while you go through the online ordering process. You do not get to walk home with your new computer; you have to wait for it to be delivered. This approach has been heavily criticized, with arguments such as instant gratification, and why would anyone leave home to go to the Mall to buy a Dell online when they could have just done that from home.

Part of the great thing about Apple stores is how you can actually use the computers, and you can use them all, making it very easy to choose and get a feel for them.

Another difference is that Apple Stores have a Genius Bar, where people can come if they are experiencing problems with their computers. Dell will offer no such thing, although without a doubt, you are likely to see people bringing their problems to the store only to be turned away.

Last but not least, Apple's products and Stores are very well regarded for being 'cool,' while Dell's offerings are merely bargains. If the stores will be anything like the computer, it is hard to imagine them having any appeal to the customer. The fact that both of these stores will be located in Malls where Apple already has a presence does nothing to dim the blatant differences between the two companies.