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Microsoft retail experience becomes a retail reality, stores to be announced soon
Microsoft is officially wading into competitive retail with its own slew of storefronts, and the company just hired David Porter, the new VP of Retail Stores, to lead the charge when he starts on February 16th. "Defining the time frame, locations and specifics for planned Microsoft-branded retail stores will be Porter's first order of business," Microsoft said in a press release.
When Microsoft demoed its retail experience privately last month, reactions were predictably mixed: some thought it made sense, others found themselves sizing it up with the Apple Store. Microsoft has a strong brand to sell, with Windows on desktops, laptops, cells and smartphones, and the Xbox 360 is no slouch, either. Putting it all together in one store, controlling its presentation, and having a physical space to demo products to the public — such as the Surface or Sync — seems like a smart move. Though it'll be interesting to see if the company wants to directly compete with stores such as Best Buy and Gamestop, who sell Microsoft products at retail.
As for servicing the computers that come packaged with Windows, that's where Microsoft has it a little rougher than Apple, which controls all of its hardware and software, so Apple knows what's on every machine. Microsoft, if it does have a Genius Bar-like component, will probably resemble something like the Geek Squad.
Microsoft, via Maximum PC
By Stan Winstone at 7:40 PM ON 02/13/09
Brilliant move! They only sell hardware so margins will be low. Uncool brand- no kids with spending money will hang out in the stores. And we're in the middle of a huge depression that's seen brick and mortar electronics retailers go under like the Titanic. As always, MSoft shows how it's (not) done.
By Xanapus at 4:14 AM ON 02/14/09
You said it Stan. Although this could create jobs all around the country for those who have lost their jobs at computer stores. Who knows though. I can't see myself spending any money on anything but groceries these days so I don't really see it doing much good during this time.
By Ron at 5:02 AM ON 02/15/09
Microsoft is so pathetic.
By aerophyte at 1:12 PM ON 02/16/09
um...does anyone realize how buggy their shit still is? Hopefully the biggest part of the store is the return department.
By TJ at 1:24 PM ON 02/16/09
"Hopefully the biggest part of the store is the return department." Very true! Bad choice to put it all in one place to see how poor their products truly are.
By Vael Victus at 1:28 PM ON 02/16/09
It doesn't matter that we're in a depression - MS is loaded. If all that is to be gained from these stores opening is more jobs available to the public, I am 100% for it. Not to mention they'll have more brand coverage now and actually seem like a living, breathing company.
Hey Aerophyte, you ever hear about the Mac OS server? Oh wait, you don't, because hackers constantly foil their plans at making one due to their security holes.
By websuspect at 7:06 AM ON 02/17/09
I sent Bill and Melinda Gates an email about this a couple of years ago and they said no. As far as internet cafes and places to demonstrate their products they are in the dark which is odd considering there a Multi Billion dollar corporation.
By beaumac at 6:30 PM ON 02/17/09
this is laughable. Microsoft wants to get into retail now? When every other retailer is shutting stores? Malls are closing? hahahah
By Gold at 10:19 PM ON 08/11/09
Just for a laugh, they should put things like 3 screen moving racing car simulators or Nvidia 3d projectors for 3d gaming in the stores. Mac's great for showing off and browsing or wordprocessing but for 3d projector gaming or gaming of any kind really you need a PC
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Gold:
Just for a laugh, they should put things like 3 screen moving racing car simulators or Nvidia 3d projectors for 3d ...More »