Shoppers Get Software-To-Go At CompUSA
By George Anderson
Twenty-five CompUSA stores in the Dallas, San Francisco and Seattle markets will soon have a system in place that allows them to display a virtually limitless library of software
titles without taking up any more floor and shelf space than they do currently.
The SoftwareToGo electronic software delivery system, developed by Protcall, will also mean CompUSA will always have “100% in-stock product availability, without the cost and
handling of maintaining physical inventory,” according to a company release.
Weiss, president of CompUSA’s Stores said in a released statement, “Electronic delivery will enable us to offer our publishers full catalogue coverage and to grow our software
sales significantly by increasing our selection without increasing the amount of floor space we devote to the category.”
CompUSA will be dedicating prominent end-cap positions in its stores to promote its new electronic delivery system. The chain will launch an extensive marketing campaign next
month to support SoftwareToGo.
Moderator’s Comment: Will technology such as SoftwareToGo fundamentally change how software is sold at retail?
We imagine there will be similarities in the way consumers react to this technology and downloadable music services. Many people only care about what’s
inside the box or jewel case while others will want all the packaging, as well. [George
Anderson – Moderator]