DSGi stores to stock iPad from Friday

This will treble the number of shops at which the highly anticipated device will be available and give the electricals retailer a real advantage over many of its competitors.

DSGi has agreed a 60-day window with Apple to sell the iPad ahead of rivals such as Argos, Comet, Tesco, John Lewis, Best Buy and the Carphone Warehouse. Argos expects the device to be stocked in its stores at earliest September and John Lewis expects the iPad to be stocked in July.

In a leaked memo to DSGi sales staff as seen by The Times shows that it will be available from 9am in 70 PC World stores, 28 Currys shops and 22 Dixons Travel outlets, as well as 19 combined PC World/Currys stores.

DSGi was in a strong position to beat its rivals, as it operates 52 Apple concessions within its stores and has a longstanding relationship with the Californian company, the paper continues.

A detailed list of which of DSGi’s 650 stores will stock the computer will be posted on its websites this week.

Apple has only 27 of its own stores across the UK and was never expected to sell the tablet computer through every retailer.

Apple launched the iPad in the US at the start of last month and had sold a million within 28 days. It has delayed the European launch as a result of the American buying frenzy.

Dell has announced today it will partner with mobile operator O2 to launch its Streak tablet device in the UK.