Dell drops retail partners in Singapore, Malaysia moving DTC

Dell laptop and box
Dell is to quit Malaysia and Singapore retail stores.

The world’s third-largest PC maker Dell is to end partnerships with retailers in Singapore and Malaysia, moving to a direct-to-consumer sales model. 

However it subsequently announced it will continue to sell from its two company-owned stores in Singapore, at Funan and Plaza Singapura, but sell only online in Malaysia.

News of the move leaked after a memo from Dell to its retail partners was shared with tech news site Lowyat.net. The transition to being a purely online retail brand in the two countries will be complete by the end of January.

Dell responded to media enquiries by issuing a short statement confirming the move. 

“Dell Technologies has announced plans to transition out of the retail market in Singapore and Malaysia. Customers will still have access to the full complement of our products and services through Dell direct.”

The company reportedly plans to exit brick-and-mortar retailing in other international markets as well, but has not as yet disclosed the list. The company has followed a direct-to-consumer online business model in the US and other western markets for decades. 

Dell laptops and screens are sold in Singapore and Malaysia by appliance and furniture retailer Courts. 

However Dell confirmed it would honour its contractual commitments with retail partners and customers. 

“Our team is on hand to work with our partners to coordinate a seamless transition,” the company said in a memo. 

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