Dell Takes Wares to Wal-Mart

Updated from 1:03 p.m. EDT

Dell(DELL Quote) is dipping its toes in the retail waters as it seeks to overcome sluggish sales and an evolving PC market.

In a deal announced Thursday, Dell will team up with the Wal-Mart(WMT Quote), the world's largest retailer, to sell certain models of its desktop PCs.

According to Wal-Mart's announcement, Dell will sell two different desktops, both priced below $700, at more than 3,500 Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico beginning June 10.

The move represents Dell's most significant step yet to evolve beyond its famous direct model, which bypasses retail outlets.

"Our customers have been asking us for additional ways to purchase our products and we plan on delivering that," said Dell spokesman Bob Kaufman. He described the Wal-Mart deal as the "first step" in the company's evolving global retail plan.

Shares of Dell finished Thursday's regular session down 1.4%, or 37 cents, at $25.89.

The move comes as Round Rock, Texas-based Dell looks for ways to right its ship. The company has seen its sales stall for the past several quarters and has lost the No.1 spot in the worldwide PC market to Hewlett-Packard(HPQ Quote).