Gateway Inks Deal With Canadian Retailers

Only a few weeks after they began selling notebooks at Best Buy in the U.S., Gateway has announced that Best Buy Canada and Future Shop will begin to carry Gateway computers.

Gateway announced today that its notebook and desktop PCs will be available across Canada in Best Buy’s 22 retail stores and 109 Future Shop retail stores, beginning the second half of August.

The news of Gateway’s expanded retail distribution follows the announcements that Best Buy’s 622 U.S.-based retail outlets have begun stocking Gateway PCs.

The agreement significantly increases Gateway’s presence in Canada, where the company has been selling PCs for more than four years.  The company’s notebook and desktop PCs will also be available via BestBuy.com and
FutureShop.com. 

“Best Buy and Future Shop are trusted by millions of consumers in Canadafor their excellent service and commitment to selling top-quality products,” said Wayne Inouye, Gateway’s president and CEO.  “They make a great fit for Gateway and our line of quality PCs.”

“We’re excited to expand our computer assortment in Best Buy and Future Shop stores in Canada with Gateway’s strong brand and excellent PC products,” said Charles Tobin, vice president of IPG, Digital Imaging and Appliances,
Best Buy Canada.  “We want to ensure we’re giving our customers a strong line-up of choices in order to meet all their PC needs.” 

This marks another step forward in Gateway’s strategy to make its PCs available at major retailers in addition to Gateway’s direct channels of phone and web.  The strategy to provide more customers with access to Gateway’s
products follows Gateway’s merger with eMachines in March.  eMachines PCs are available at leading retailers in the United States, Japan and Western Europe. 

Details about the Gateway notebook and desktop PCs to be sold by Best Buy and Future Shop stores in Canada will be available when the systems are ready for sale in the second half of August.