New York City ? In a departure from the direct-to-consumer business model it was founded on, Dell Inc. plans to sell computers at Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer.

A Dell spokesman said Thursday the computer maker will begin selling two models from its Dimension desktop computer line in about 3,000 Wal-Marts beginning June 10.

The two Dimension E521 models will be sold at Wal-Marts in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. On its Web site, the cheapest Dimension E521 costs $359.

Since its founding in the 1980s, Dell has relied on selling PCs and other products directly to consumers and business customers over the phone and Internet. It viewed direct sales as an important cost advantage over competitors who sold computers through retailers.

The strategy worked, helping Dell become the world’s leading PC maker. But last year, the company lost its lead to Hewlett-Packard Co., which sells systems online, by phone and in stores.