HP plans to open flagship outlets

The world's largest PC manufacturer, Hewlett Packard, plans to open its first flagship outlets in the UAE and Saudi Arabia by the end of 2009, said a top regional executive.

HP has opened flagship outlets in Casablanca and Lagos. This would be the first time it extends the plan to the Middle East.

The manufacturer currently uses the "store in store" concept in the Middle East, which is a dedicated space within an IT retailer outlets. The new flagship store from the technology company will be set up along with a partner and will offer the entire range of HP products.

Anil Kumar, General Manager, HP PSG (personal systems group) Middle East, told Emirates Business: "As Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the biggest markets for HP in the Middle East, with more than 40 per cent of market share coming from these countries, it makes sense to open the flagship outlets here. But it is clear that the outlet will be run with partners and not by the HP." The launch will not affect the margins of HP's current retailers and resellers.

"This would help retail partners who would work with us in opening outlets. This will be based on the customer experiencing an HP product and not undercutting margins," he said.

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