Dell said on Wednesday it would close all of its 140 U.S. kiosks, a concept it launched in 2002 to showcase computers, as it expands sales of PCs in retail stores.

Customers could test Dell PCs at the kiosks and order the products, but they could not take delivery of them there.

The concept has become largely obsolete as Dell last year departed from a 23-year strategy of direct-only sales and its computers are now available in about 10,000 store outlets and online.

Dell in June started selling computers at Wal-Mart Stores Inc and later announced agreements with France's Carrefour SA and China's GOME Electrical Appliances Holding Ltd, among others.

"Moving into retail is a prime example of Dell listening to its customers," said Tony Weiss, vice president for Dell?s Global Consumer business. "Ever since we began our journey into retail, we wanted to give customers the opportunity to call, click, or visit Dell and have access to our award-winning products. This move fits in with how our broad global retail strategy is evolving."