Computer maker Dell, the pioneer of selling PCs online, will sell its products in Irish shops for the first time in January.
A select range of PCs will be available through PC World, Currys and Dixons stores, which are owned by DSG International.
A spokesman for DSG said the details were still being negotiated but it was expected that Dell PCs would be available through all of its 30 shops in the Republic.
Dell and DSG have come to a pan-European agreement which will see the retailer sell Dell notebook and desktop computers in 12 European countries. The deal covers the UK, the Republic, Spain, Italy, Greece, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.
Customers who purchase through DSG can avail of support through its TechGuys service, which provides telephone support, installation and set-up.
Dell originated the model of selling PCs directly to consumers, originally over the phone and subsequently on the web. Disappointing results and intense competition, particularly from a resurgent HP, which has knocked it off its perch as the world's largest PC manufacturer, have made it reconsider selling through retailers.
The move is designed to increase Dell's sales to consumers. About 70 per cent of its revenues currently come from business customers.
With the addition of DSG's outlets, Dell products will be available from more than 10,000 shops and websites worldwide. The Texas-headquartered computer maker's first major foray into retail was through a deal with Wal-Mart, the biggest retailer in the US. It also sells through Carrefour, the world's second largest retailer.
Founder Michael Dell returned as chief executive last year to try and restore the company's fortunes.
