HP has denied Fairfax Media's report that it is planning to open an Australian retail store in downtown Melbourne.
CRN reported on the story, which first appeared in the Australian Financial Review, after yesterday repeatedly seeking confirmation from HP as to whether it planned to launch a retail presence in Melbourne, something the company would not initially confirm or deny.
However, HP contacted CRN today, after publication of our article, to categorically deny plans to open the retail store.
"HP has not opened, and will not be opening, a retail store at 234 Collins Street," said a company spokesperson.
Fairfax Media claimed the giant US vendor had signed a $500,000 per year deal for 1000 square metres in the Collins 234 Boutique Place mall in the middle of Melbourne's central business district.
Collins 234 Boutique Place shopping centre hosts an outsourced Hewlett-Packard Experience Centre, launched only in March.
The no-sales, demo-only presence – operated by marketing firm Brain Sells – is on level two, while Fairfax Media reported that HP's new lease is on level one.
Updated with HP's denial of the Fairfax Media report
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