Major UK-based PC component and hardware supplier Aria PC Technology is now accepting bitcoin for payments.
Aria was established more than 20 years ago, though its focus has shifted over the years from brick-and-mortar operations to e-commerce.
The e-tailer began accepting bitcoin on 7th February, choosing to mention the news as an aside in a Twitter post announcing the launch of the new Gladiator Mining Frame.
Introducing the Aria Bitcoin Mining Frame... plus... we are accepting Bitcoins as payment from Monday! http://t.co/wUxZTP3wQ3— Aria PC Technology (@Aria_Technology) February 7, 2014
As a result, the decision came without the typical fanfare that has become common when major merchants add bitcoin payments.
Rather, the news spread slowly, ebbing out via social media and through message board discussions.
Product selection and checkout
Aria offers a wide range of computer components that can be used for specialty mining rigs, as well as traditional PCs, including fans and cooling accessories, processors, power supplies, hard drives and more. In addition, those who want to buy consumer goods will find Aria offers laptops, TVs and video game accessories, among other general electronic store fare.
Bitcoin purchasers who attempt to complete an order may first be surprised not to see bitcoin as a payment option at the "Shopping Basket" stage.
Rather, these shoppers must log in with their accounts and enter additional information before finding the option at the "Payment & Confirmation" stage of the checkout.
Industry impact
With the announcement, Aria becomes the latest computer-focused e-commerce company to add bitcoin as a payment option. The news notably follows TigerDirect's 23rd January decision to start taking the virtual currency.
TigerDirect's top products in the aftermath of the announcement were computer accessories, including video cards, power units and tablets, which may have convinced more tech merchants there is an overlap between their customer base and the currency's devoted user base.
Just last week Scan Computers, one of Britain’s biggest computer retailers, revealed that it would start taking bitcoins via BitPay.
As a result of these announcements and subsequent sales successes, it seems likely that more tech-focused merchants could follow suit.
Additional reporting by Nermin Hajdarbegovic