Gateway Shuts Down Retail Stores

Following the acquisition of PC maker eMachines, Gateway has announced plans to close its retail stores. For the past 7 years, the company has operated several hundred Gateway-branded stores throughout the United States. The stores helped consumers test drive products before purchasing them. Recently the company remodeled the stores to reflect the company's increased focus on consumer electronics. To return to profitability, Gateway will shut down its remaining 188 stores and lay off 2500 workers. The company will continue to focus its sales operations on the Web and will team up with selected retailers, such as Office Depot. Other computer companies haven't given up on the retail store concept. Apple Computer continues to open new Apple stores throughout the world, and Sony recently announced plans to launch additional Sony Style stores. The Sony Style stores sell Sony products and highlight the company's Sony lifestyle concept.