First Microsoft retail stores to open this fall

Microsoft confirmed on Wednesday that it is planning to open its first stores this fall, with at least some of the locations likely to be right near an Apple store.

"As we progress on our retail strategy there will be scenarios where we have stores in proximity to Apple," a representative told CNET News. "We are on track to open stores in the fall time frame."

The fall timing is not surprising. One would assume Microsoft would want to have the stores open in time for Windows 7's October 22 retail launch and for the holiday selling season.

Turner

(Credit: Microsoft)

I'm hearing that Microsoft will open a few stores this fall, with more coming in 2010.

Microsoft first announced its plan to enter the retail arena in February, when it hired David Porter, a Wal-Mart veteran.

Speaking at the Worldwide Partner Conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner told people to "stay tuned" for more news on the retail front.

"And stay tuned, because we're going to have some retail stores opened up that are opened up right next door to Apple stores this fall," he said. "Stay tuned, just stay tuned."

Turner promised partners that the company would share what it is learning with other stores.

"Every single thing we learn in those Microsoft stores that we put on the street we're going to share that openly and transparently with all of our retail partners so that they can do the exact same thing," Turner said. "And we're going to get that customer feedback directly. We're in the game for the long-term here."

Turner, himself a former Wal-Mart exec, noted he has some experience in this area. "And I know something about retail, and we've hired an incredible team to do an incredible job on retail."

The software maker has also opened an online software store that sells products directly to customers.

Last fall, Microsoft set up a "retail experience center" in Redmond. (See video below--Silverlight required, however.) However, at the time a Microsoft executive told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer that the company wasn't going to open its own stores.

In the beginning of the decade, Microsoft had one retail outlet--at the San Francisco Metreon mall. However, it closed that location in November 2001. It had been rumored to be eyeing a Times Square location back in 2005.

[monkeyfun14]

"Microsoft confirmed on Wednesday that it is planning to open its first stores this fall, with at least some of the locations likely to be right near an Apple store."<br /><br />I can't stand it when companies take the "gas station approach" when picking store locations.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Gas Station Approach. That's a good term for it. <br /> <br />There's good and bad about it though. It's obviously a destination store so it doesn't matter where you put it- people will find it. It's not the sort of thing that is a idle mall shopper sort of thing, but I could be wrong. Depending on the content, it may offer more impulse buy items like MP3 players. I don't know about retail enough in malls to speculate well there. <br /> <br />Putting them near Apple stores? Priceless. I'd love to see that. Head to head competition. It would be quite entertaining to see them side by side, fans of both heckling the other. The amount of rivalry would be wonderful to watch in action. Kind of like watching two used car sales lots next to each other.

[msjonker]

It makes sense in this case. While gas stations sell the same commodity, Windows and OS X are 2 very different things. If you were comparing the 2 to decide which one you wanted to buy, would you want to drive across town to do so? It doesn't make very much sense.

[catchall]

Or the locations are good spots, and it would be idiotic to place them elsewhere.<br />You don't throw out a good idea because the competition came up with it.

[ikramerica--2008]

Dell tried this with kiosks in malls, opening them as close to Apple stores as possible. Problem was, you couldn't actually take delivery of a computer from those kiosks. The MS stores will only succeed if they have ample stock of items. But it could be a big boon to the Zune, as people can compare them close by.

[Sporlo]

+1 to all 4 of you.

[BogusBasin]

This is going to be so much fun to watch! Ahhhh Haaa Haaaaaa! You monkeys are so fun to watch! This will be a HUGE failure and I couldn't be happier! <br /><br />Die Microsoft Die!<br /><br />Amen

[Vegaman_Dan]

@BogusBasin: <br /> <br />Or it could also be a huge success. Nobody has any sort of basis to go on here. Your opinion is worth as much as anyone else's in this case. <br /> <br />Personally, I hope it succeeds. Competition means my next Macbook may have more features at a lower price. :)

[Random_Walk]

Question ...why did the store Microsoft tried way back when fail?<br />--<br />As far as the "gas station approach" (love the term, BTW)? A mall is a mall - you'd expect to see 'em together.<br />--<br />Dunno if there would be heckling or such. The Apple stores are usually too busy for sales critters there to do that.<br />--<br />Microsoft would likely sell some Zunes, some keyboards and mice, and what... boxed copies of software? <br /><br />If they sold xboxes and/or xbox games, the game stores in that same mall would get rather pi$sed (hint: never anger your retail partners. They have nasty ways of getting even - like promoting your competitors' products and stuffing yours into the back). Sure, Microsoft promises to "share" their lessons-learned and data with 'partners', but seriously - competing with your partners to do it isn't exactly the best way to carry that education out.<br /><br />If they sold PC's and such (like Apple sells Macs), then which OEM(s), and who provides the warranty? And like Apple's stores, can you take a splattered laptop or PC to the store and get it worked on right there? They'd have to do a Geek Squad like deal for that, which means overhead... <br /><br />Dunno - I don't see this as much more than an experimental trial balloon, and I'm not seeing what would be present that would make the whole thing work in the long-run. If someone has any insight and ideas, I'd love to hear them.

[baconstang]

I wonder what they'll sell more of, OS or AV?

[rnaoncfixd]

One of the malls in my area has an Apple store right next to a Sony Style store. The sony store sells computers, TVs, MP3 Players, PS3 and PS3 accessories, and cameras. <br />With that in mind, the Apple store is constantly busy with people shopping or getting technical help at the genius bar. The Sony store is pretty much empty for the most part. <br />I would also like to know why in those laptop hunter commercials that Microsoft puts out, no one buys a Vaio.

[Mr. Dee]

One thing I am hoping though, they don't name them 'The Microsoft Store', just does not feel inviting from a consumer perspective. I think 'Windows Live Style Store' would be more in sync with what the Windows platform is all about.

[Vegaman_Dan]

I don't think they should use the name Microsoft either as that is old and stodgy like IBM. <br /> <br />I would not be surprised at all if they used the name of 'Bing" instead- that's the sort of trendy popular type of name that mall stores have these days, and it would tie in nicely with their other online services. <br /> <br />I could see Bing as a store name easily.

[BogusBasin]

Inviting? Style? Trendy? <br /><br />You guys are worse off than I thought. Reminds me of those punk white kids with their sagging pants and hats on sideways talkin bout yo yo sup? It's like Michael Steele trying to be cool. <br /><br />MS is a joke, but it's you I'm laughing at. I will really enjoy watching MS throw millions out the window on these failed attempts to copy Apple once again.<br /><br />Amen

[Vegaman_Dan]

@BogusBasin: <br /> <br />Apple didn't invent trendy retail store concepts. They copied that from others. Your comment right there is debunked as myth and fiction. <br /> <br />I suppose if you find the idea of a computer store as a failure or lacking style or trendiness, you had better tell Apple what a failure their stores are then. :)

[BogusBasin]

The blind loyalty and ignorance is nearly palpable. I am really really enjoying this! Keep it up!<br /><br />Amen

[Random_Walk]

"I think 'Windows Live Style Store' would be more in sync with what the Windows platform is all about."<br /><br />I'm sure the folks at Sony would be a bit miffed at that one...

[baconstang]

Will the stores have an 'idiot bar'?

[monkeyfun14]

"The blind loyalty and ignorance is nearly palpable. I am really really enjoying this! Keep it up!<br /><br />Amen"<br /><br />I know who knew Apple fanboys could keep this up for so long.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@baconstang: <br /> <br />"Will the stores have an 'idiot bar'? " <br /> <br />Sorry, that's next door at Apple. (JUST KIDDING! You made it too easy with that setup) :) <br /> <br /> <br />@Bogusbasin: <br /> <br />""The blind loyalty and ignorance is nearly palpable. I am really really enjoying this! Keep it up!" <br /> <br />That's the sort of comment that demonstrates the blind loyalty towards Apple products that makes all this so much more interesting to speculate about. Thank you for demonstrating it so perfectly.

[baconstang]

VD... my pleasure. Really though, putting them near Apple stores is kinda like putting a Kia dealership next to Lexus. Wouldn't it be better next to Hyundai?

[baconstang]

Maybe they should try an approach kind of like Guitar Center. With the Special Events and weekly 'Sale' postcards.

[johnwbaxter--2008]

Convenient. I can buy something at the Apple store, and carry the well-recognized Apple bag into the MS store to browse. <br /> <br />Signage: "Please check your Apple bag at the register." <br /> <br /> (Note: typed partially in amusement on my Dell desktop machine.)

[Renegade Knight]

Yup, you can buy your mac then go next door and install 7 on it using bootcamp. Or thumb your nose. Either way. <br /> <br />Other than that what cool retail prodcuts does MicroSoft have? Azure? Bing? Money? <br /> <br />I'm going to predict a fail unless They sell other peoples products.

[monkeyfun14]

@Renegade<br /><br />I'm sure with how close of ties they have with HP and Dell and that they are releasing Zune HD as well this fall they will have plenty of toys.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Keep in mind that Apple's 'registers' all run Windows on them. :) <br /> <br />I'm rather surprised they don't have an iPhone app to replace the Windows Mobile devices they use now for their sales system. It seems like an obvious use. <br /> <br />@Renegade Knight: <br /> <br />The prototype retail experience had products from a variety of OEM's from computers to accessories to even things like clothing. XBOX game titles on T shirts and such seem to be a popular item these days. I must admit I was eyeing the DOS command prompt T shirts myself. "FDISK THIS" Heh.

[massfat]

I think they probably will sell some other people's products. After all, they probably want to get Xbox games sold (that makes them money), and possibly apps from different devices that they make money off of.

[ikramerica--2008]

Vega-<br /><br />Apple's 'registers' use Windows CE embedded for PoS, which is hardly the same thing as "running Windows". Apple does not make PoS embedded OSes, nor do they make the kind of handheld "register" that they use, so it only makes sense to use this product. Apple has never been in that business.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@ikr-america2008: <br /> <br />Windows CE is a Windows OS product. Windows Mobile is the latest version. <br /> <br />Apple does make the iPhone and Touch products. There are currently products in the Apple Apps Store now that offer this sort of connectibility to databases. I can right this very moment make an iPhone / Touch into such a portable register by using the products they have available in the Apps Store along with Apple's own products. <br /> <br />I just don't know why they are not doing it now. It's been two years since they have had this ability. Perhaps they don't intend to do it, but that doesn't change the fact that Apple is relying upon Microsoft products for their own sales in stores. <br /> <br />That's not a bad thing. Just clarifying the misunderstanding you may have had there.

[jessiethe3rd]

ahhahaha... I forgot about the Apple mobile device that Genius had... it was a portabl Windows Mobile Device! Hhahaa... an their POS's running WPOS is icing on the cake - now that's funny. Almost as funny as Google having a huge agreement to buy Microsoft software (yes - believe it or not they do and it is very sizeable!)

[globalist_agenda]

Opening these stores makes no sense to me, particulary during Depression II. Everyone I know wants to pay wholesale price, not retail. I don't buy anything at the MS Online store because the price is too high. Same thing at the Adobe store. THIS ECONOMY IS NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL GUYS.

[Vegaman_Dan]

In down economies, companies invest in themselves and prepare to be right on the spot when the economy improves. It's a matter of timing. If you wait until the economy recovers before you make your move, you'll lose out to those that do have the resources to make it happen.

[Renegade Knight]

VD hit the nail on the head. If MS is going to do this. Now is the time when they can build cheap. While I personally hope they fail, go bankrupt and ceace to exist as a company leaving the spoils to other more customer oriented companiees, I can't fault their strategy. Especially if they actually do follow the prototype VD outlines above.

[Sporlo]

The recession ended Monday btw.

[Perry_Clease]

Your right Dan, there are empty stores in a lot of the malls. The could probably get a good deal on a lease.

[savvydude]

Maybe they should call it the "Zune Experience".<br /><br />What in the heck are they going to sell? Ideas? This is going to go over about as well as "new" Coke. And, Microsoft already has a retail store - it's called Costco and Walmart.<br /><br />Sheesh!

[Vegaman_Dan]

Computers, software, operating systems, accessories, clothing, other knick knacks. Product demos of current items both from Microsoft and other companies that use MSFT technologies. The sample store even had a Ford Fusion in there for you try out the infotainment systems using EDGE. They weren't selling Ford at all and it was kind of nice to check out the features without having a salesman trying to sell you the car. <br /> <br />There's a lot a store like that can offer.

[BogusBasin]

Keep telling yourself that VegaTroll. You crack me up. You really do. I almost feel sorry for you. Pathetic.<br /><br />Amen

[jazzbythebay]

Most folks do not seem to understand - it's not as much about selling product, although selling Zune HD, Xbox, keyboards, mice, etc. would certainly be a part of it - it's more about opening up a venue where customers can casually walk in and get a low-key MS sales pitch. It'd be a way of letting customers experience the new products, including Windows 7 and Office 2010, which are frequently bashed by the media and competition coz it's the thing to do.

[BogusBasin]

@jazzbythebay<br /><br />Yeah, just like the big bad media is out to get poor Sarah Palin and any other right wing GOP types. If they are against poor MS, they must be wrong right? At what point do you start to realize that maybe MS isn't exactly good? The pendulum is swinging. The monopoly is crumbling. It's a great time to be alive!<br /><br />Amen

[Vegaman_Dan]

@BogusBasin: <br /> <br />"Keep telling yourself that VegaTroll. You crack me up. You really do. I almost feel sorry for you. Pathetic." <br /> <br />Why thank you! I do try dearly hard to entertain you as much as I can. I appreciate the honor you have bestowed upon me with your kind comments. Your reputation as an unbiased and truthful individual merits every bit of respectability that you have earned over your time here on CNET. <br /> <br />Yes, thank you indeed for your response. I have a nice warm fuzzy in my tummy as a result. <br /> <br />Oh wait, that was a chili cheese burrito. Sorry, I get the two confused at times. :)

[jessiethe3rd]

@ BogusBasin <br /> <br />Keep telling yourself the worlds most profitable software company employing over 100,000 people globally and over 50k in North America alone is going to crumble... you are in for a long hard reality my friend. The profits will keep flowing in, the world will keep turning, and your dream of the downfall of an American company will turn into the nightmare as a continued revenue generator.

[celticbrewer]

@ BogusBasin "Keep telling yourself that VegaTroll. You crack me up. You really do. I almost feel sorry for you. Pathetic." <br /> <br />Pathetic is someone who comments every other second with nothing more than a 4th grade slam that has absolutely no facts or even creativity to back it up. <br /> <br />You are the troll and you are the one we all feel sorry for. YOU are pathetic and obviously the greatest hypocrite that I've seen for a while on CNet. Kudos!

[DigitalAngelic]

@BogusBasin: <br /> <br />He listed the things in the prototype retail experience and gave his opinion on a few things. "They weren't selling Ford at all and it was kind of nice to check out the features without having a salesman trying to sell you the car." Wouldn't a lot of people here like that? <br /> <br />There IS a lot a store like that can offer. If it's like the Microsoft Retail Experience, there's more variety to it. Variety is a good thing, hmm? <br /> <br />(Oh a slightly unrelated note, if this store sells some of those computer shirts ThinkGeek sells I'm definitely going there.)

[westonmachine]

Hey, everyone thought MS was crazy when they came up with the idea to charge money for 0's and 1's.... and look where it got them. However I am very sceptical about this new MS store. As someone who uses both PC and a mac I really don't favor either OS over the other. I believe mac is more "just for fun" in my opinion, i only use my macbook for light text editing for school, and for chatting online because its got great connectivity. Occasionally I will play around and do some photoshop or make a video here and there. Whereas I happen to be a big gamer, thus i NEED to have a windows machine, and also its what I use for making powerpoints or writing my papers for school primarily. Both are very useful OS's but I feel it just depends on what you want to do with your computer.

[dragonsky1]

I don't see why Microsoft needs stores. Apple, Sony, even Dell I can see. But most of Microsoft's products already have good representation at other retailers. Do they think they will be able to offer more products or selection than Best Buy or Gamestop. I really just don't see the need. It seems almost like they are just copying Apple to show they can do it too.

[monkeyfun14]

Apple also has plenty of computers in retailers as well...

[wfolta]

monkeyfun14: yes, Apple has computers in retailers. The problem is that historically they were neglected: not working half the time, no one around that knew anything about them, salesmen who actually steered you away from Macs because they didn't use Macs, etc. Apple tried a store-in-store approach in a couple of different Big Computer Stores at different times and that failed as well. Finally, they decided that they needed someplace on the ground to represent their own products in an attractive way -- not the "oh, yeah, we have Macs here" kind of way.<br /><br />I think the major problem is that MS is again copying Apple without thinking. Apple had a problem where most people did not have direct experience with Macs, and the experiences they did have were 10 years old or were in a Big Computer Store, as described above, where they were actually steered away from the Macs. MS has persuaded itself that this is the problem with Vista and Zune: great products that aren't being presented well.<br /><br />Problem is that the Zune got as good or better representation as the iPod -- outside of Apple Stores, of course. Problem is that a guru running Vista for a consumer could persuade them that it was much easier to use than they had previously believed. So we'll see...<br /><br />Heck, from the article, it remains unclear what MS's goals are with the stores (besides buzzwords like "excellence"). The only thing that looks anywhere unique is that they will use them as a retail lab, of sorts, where they will figure out what works marketing-wise, then pass it on to their "partners".<br /><br />My guess is that they've lost a lot of leverage over their "partners" as a result of various anti-trust rulings in the past and now they figure they have a way to get around that: they can have a barely-stable Dell laptop with a poorly-configured Linux to show how stupid it is to order a Dell with Linux pre-installed. Or they can reward Dell with prominent displays -- like a "Dell Inside" on one of their fancy touch screen table displays -- if Dell plays ball.<br /><br />Not to mention that MS has shown itself to be the ultimate Apple copycat ("Whatever you can do, I can do better") and the ultimate "throw it at the wall and see what sticks" company who figures that by dumping money into a sector they might get lucky but at a minimum they will cause financial pain to their competitors in that sector.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Best Buy tends to section off the Apple products to a separate area that resembles more like a shrine to all things Apple. I'm not sure if that is Apple or Best Buy's doing. They have one person assigned to the Apple display and the rest of the blue shirt Best Buy people handle the rest of the sales for other systems. I tried to ask for help in the Apple area because their solitary rep was off on break and couldn't get help- they have their set areas they cover and nothing else. I was told to wait until the rep came back from their break/lunch, but not when that would be. <br /> <br />It wasn't a very good retail experience. I think that's more Best Buy's issue than Apple's, but it shows how one company can end up getting isolated through bad store training and management. If I was looking to buy a computer that day, I would probably have better luck over where there were plenty of reps available and ready to help.

[Get_a_life_Leo]

Don't worry, Microsoft Store version 3.1 will be a killer store. As for products, they can just demo other brands of computers using Windows and actually sell the software and their Zune HD and XBox360 hardware. As long as they have a Genius Bar for helping resolve OS problems, there will be plenty of traffic......

[ikramerica--2008]

ROFL. 3.1 will be almost as good as an Apple store, but will fit into stripmalls that you 'already have in your neighborhood', with the Apple store relegated to expensive, luxury, purpose built shopping and entertainment complexes.<br /><br />Sure, service will be slower and parking will be a hassle, with an increased chance of crashing (your car) getting in and out of the poorly designed parking lot, but who cares?<br /><br />Windows Store 3.1, the store for the rest of us!

[BogusBasin]

Oh my god! I never even thought about that! Open up a Genius Bar and give free support! That's one way to get those lines Apple enjoys that wrap around the block! This would be the Guinness book record for longest line! You know they won't call it Genius Bar though. Maybe Smart Guy Hole, or Bingtastic or something really smart like that. Microsoft is so innovative that way!<br /><br />Amen

[Vegaman_Dan]

@ikramerica--2008: <br /> <br />Your prediction would lead to Microsoft having a huge success on their hands. Are you SURE you're the real ikramerica-2008? Usually you are all doom and gloom about all things Microsoft.

[ikramerica--2008]

"Smart Guy Hole" - I like it!

[bobmarleypeople]

A Microsoft retail store eh? Ignoring business products, that's Windows, Office, keyboards, mice, Zune and Xbox. Oh and Flight Simulator.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Nothing indicates they would be ignoring business products at all. I'm sure if you wanted to buy server products you could do so there. <br /> <br />Don't focus on Microsoft - only products. They have a lot of business partners and will be offering hardware from other vendors.

[JoelBrown]

monkeyfun14: It's called Hotelling's law of spatial competition. It doesn't actually apply to Apple and Microsoft because they are not selling commodities which are completely equivalent except for convenience of access for shopping. What is more likely going on here is that Apple stores are in prime retail locations (like malls maybe?) and Microsoft will be too. <br /> <br />Renegade: You might want to Bing "XBOX". Or how about the keyboards and mice that MS makes. I shudder to mention it lest the fanboys go apoplectic but maybe even a Zune or two? <br /> <br />I look forward to seeing a Microsoft Store in my local mall. MS makes enough hardware that they shouldn't have to let their retail message be completely controlled by their distribution channel.

[cnetjasonpratt]

LOL at your use of the verb form of Bing, as if anyone outside MS vs Apple threads would ever do that.<br /><br />Hey, pass me a ScottTissue and please go Oce a copy of that TPS report for me, would you.<br /><br />FAIL.

[ikramerica--2008]

I like Bing. I forget to use it most of the time, but I do like it.<br /><br />Plus, it sounds like the sound Mail.app makes when I get a new email message.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Xerox nearly became a verb through common usage.

[ikramerica--2008]

Xerox is a verb. Xerography is a technique of duplicating documents. Bing is so late to the game, it isn't as likely to become a verb, though Google was late compared to Yahoo!, and Google has become a verb, while Yahoo! never did. Can't recall anyone ever saying "Yahoo! it..." but "Google it..." I hear every day. Maybe one day, people will say "Bing it..." but I doubt it.

[JoelBrown]

Oooh, pwnd by language nazis. You folks might like to research "irony" while you're busy grammar checking everyones' posts. Within the context of informal writing "Bing" is a verb if I use it as a verb. Nice job missing my point, which, if I read my TPS report correctly, is that Microsoft has more than enough physical product to justify having a bricks and mortar retail channel under their own control if that is what they would like to do, contrary to the assertions of the previous poster to whom I was replying.

[CDubber]

Microsoft: "Me Too!" (TM)

[BogusBasin]

Amen

[Vegaman_Dan]

Sounds good to me. If it works, why not do it... unless you're afraid of a little competition, perhaps?

[DrtyDogg]

who did open the first store. That is what you are implying aren't you? That another company has a store first. . .

[Vegaman_Dan]

Well, if it comes down to who opened the first store, then yes, Microsoft did before Apple, but that wasn't a real store, more of a test at the time.

[monkeyfun14]

Oh no not competition anything but that!

[celticbrewer]

I recall there being a gateway store long long before the apple store.

[DrtyDogg]

Microsoft also had retail stores prior to any Apple stores.

[Vegaman_Dan]

One thing I thought of while watching the video. The sample store there (which is not necessarily what they are going to do and is just a concept) is freakin' huge for a mall store. it would be 3-4 times the size of the typcial Apple store in a mall. I'm not sure that is a good or bad thing. <br /> <br />Mall stores- focused and intense for singular products. Higher priced singular sales. <br /> <br />Box stores- more of everything, more general sales. <br /> <br />I expect a compromise of a 2-3X sized store compared to an Apple store, but let's toss out an interesting notion: <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />What if Microsoft opened up their own line of box stores like Bestbuy? There's now enough space in the market for them to do so with Circuit City and CompUSA out of the picture. Offer similar products in addition to the MSFT focused items. Make it a real destination center for a lot of things. Could it work for them? Or is that model a done deal and no longer profitable as experienced by those failed chain stores? <br /> <br />What if MSFT simply bought out BestBuy? They have the cash to do it if they wanted to. I'm not sure there is any legal blocks to it either. Not sure there is a benefit though. <br /> <br />Just some wild and crazy thoughts. Nothing to back them up at all beyond wild speculation.

[BogusBasin]

You so crazy! Smart too! Way to go Ballmer!<br /><br />Amen

[Vegaman_Dan]

I'm sorry, Ballmer wasn't available to respond to your comment. Would you like me to patch you through to him, Mr. Jobs? <br /> <br />Sheesh, really now, BogusBasin... you're just embarassing yourself.

[Super2online]

I'm looking forward to hearing where these first stores will be located so I can visit one on my next trip through one of those cities. The strategy is very sound, and who better to be running it than a veteran from the largest retail chain in the world that obviously knows a thing or two about being successful.

[javonyc]

i think its great for Microsoft<br />but bad for other stores like bestbuy or gamestop<br />because people instead of going to those stores to get a pc, a zune, xbox. <br />will prefer to go to the ms store. <br /><br />a plus in Microsoft stores for me, is using ms surface to browse products,a nd all the amazing technologies Microsoft has. Microsoft tag, imagine just scanning the product in a special camera, and getting trailers of the game, or video reviews of the product.

[shellcodes_coder]

I agree with you

[amadensor]

How close am I legally allowed to stand as I hand out Ubuntu CD's?

[Captain Bebops]

Maybe Canonical should open some Ubuntu stores to up the ante. Had out free CDs and demo it to show that Ubuntu isn't geeky. Sell support programs, add-ons and computers with Ubuntu installed. It definitely would make things more interesting.

[Vegaman_Dan]

As close as you want to get before being tossed out by the mall management for being a disruptive influence. <br /> <br />Remember, a mall is not public property. It's private. Your right to free speech or to hand out CD's does *NOT* exist there.

[jessiethe3rd]

I'd like to see Canonical sink money into it - lord knows they have very little.

[naterandrews]

What sets Apple retail stores apart from Best Buy, Wal-Mart and other retailers? Passion. Apple has a specific criteria that applicants must meet in order to become a employee in their retail arm- and being passionate about Apple is key. Passion doesn't pay the bills- but it does help to create a shopping/learning experience that sets itself apart from the mold. <br /><br />The last mass hysteria I remember about a Microsoft product was the massive lines of those that camped out and waited for Windows 95. Massive coverage and excitement buzzed around that product, and helped Microsoft ride a tide of excitement and great PR. What do we have to be excited about from Microsoft now? Not much. Their products and services do not evoke passion from those that use them; aside from a handful of XBox loyalists, how many people can you find that truly LOVE Microsoft, or Windows for that matter? Sure, they are the standard when it comes to Office and OS software- but people just aren't excited about it anymore. What sets the Apple retail stores apart from what Microsoft could offer?<br /><br />+Apple retail stores are staffed by knowledgeable associates that use, and love the products. They'll usually go above and beyond the call of duty, to indict another into their club.<br /><br />+(Not to start a flame war but..) Apple has it right with unified hardware. Simply bring your Mac to the Genuis Bar, and it can quickly be diagnosed. With Microsoft partnering with OEMS that sell the absolute cheapest hardware, the support aspect could be a nightmare. When people look to buy an expensive electronics item, they want exemplary support to back it up- Apple retail stores are ready to help. <br /><br />+The stores alone are a testament to what Apple stands for. With a number of high profile, highly trafficked stores that are modern design marvels, people can expect the same from the products inside<br /><br />While I don't want to start some kind of flame war of Apple v Microsoft, I just don't see how a retail store can really help to push "their" products. What will they do differently than Wal-Mart, or Best Buy, or Target? Will having Windows and XBox at their store make it any different or better? And I seriously doubt that their recent Wal-Mart hire will be able to do much either. Their brand and image is tarnished, and people simply do not have the same joy for Microsoft as they do for other brands.

[BogusBasin]

"Their products and services do not evoke passion from those that use them; aside from a handful of XBox loyalists, how many people can you find that truly LOVE Microsoft, or Windows for that matter?"<br /><br />monkeyfun, seaspray, vegaman<br /><br />There are three people I know that would give their first born at the MS alter.<br /><br />Amen

[naterandrews]

I guess I could have worded this comment better than I did!<br /><br />Having people (shoppes and employees) love a product will help to drive foot traffic. Once they are in the store, you've pretty much got them. Inform them, entertain them and then close the deal.<br /><br />Microsoft doesn't have many people that love their products. Almost every store that sells Windows, Office, Xbox, Zune does it pretty well. These massive retailers are doing it right, nothing is broken. Microsoft thinks that they can put up shop and people will just.. go there? Why? What is the incentive? What does this store concept have that others don't? People are happy enough with getting their wares at big box retailers, and (I'm assuming) wont be likely to go directly to Microsoft's stores.<br /><br />Demographics:<br /><br />18-25: These guys usually illegally download software or buy it online. They know what they want, and how to get it. Microsoft store for these guys? Maybe an XBox game or two, but thats about it.<br /><br />26-35: These are the busy professionals; they learn about new products from news glances or from their peers. Knowing their youth and intelligence, they want it quickly and without hassle. Online shopping is key for them, or maybe they can get the new Windows while they do their grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. Microsoft store for them? Pointless; they don't want to deal with high pressure sales people touting useless info. <br /><br />36-50: Double duty parent and full time job? Who has the time to run the kids to soccer and then head off to the Microsoft Store? They'll usually get their news and info about hot products (which definatelly aren't Microsofts') from their kids.. (Go back to 18-25..) Microsoft Store for them? Not likely. Why? With a live in "tech head" in their house, they can get all the help they need for free.<br /><br />Where do you see Microsoft stores fitting in? <br />(You could just as easily turn around and say "Why, then, are Apples stores doing so well?" Apple has a great image of polish, refinement and excitement. Call it the iPod halo if you want, but people are excited and passionate about the products and the company enough to head into the store by the droves.. see my comment above).

[DrtyDogg]

@BogusBasin: You seem to be the only on in this thread who equates religion to a company.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@BogusBasin: <br /> <br />I type this on a MacBookPro running OS X using FireFox about a Microsoft story while in another tab looking at the prices of used SGI systems that I like to collect. <br /> <br />I'm sorry, what was that you were saying again? <br /> <br />I'm in the tech field to repair whatever someone brings me, whether that is a PC, Mac, or orange juice blender with an ethernet port on it. I fix whatever is broken.... don't get too close to me or I'll be tempted to try to repair you as well. :)

[JasonTryfon]

How will they handle reservations for the Virus Bar?

[srminton]

Virus Bar! love it

[baconstang]

Just be sure to cover your ports if you get too close.

[wclanders]

I don't think Microsoft gets it.....they just aren't 'sexy' enough to have the same success as an Apple store. An Apple store is just fun to go hang out in.... the product lines are slick..the product lines are very slick and appealing. i just see Microsoft being able to pull this off. In about 3 years i see the new headline "Microsoft to close retails stores by 2012"

[monkeyfun14]

No offense but no store is "fun" to hang out in even Apple stores.<br /><br />Most people want to simply buy their product and get home.

[celticbrewer]

Apple is elitist and trendy- it's not sexy. MS, true, is none of those things... thankfully

[Vegaman_Dan]

The success of the XBOX game console would tend to disagree with these sentiments. I know, it's a different crowd entirely, but you cannot deny the popularity of the console or its fans.

[wclanders]

I don't think Microsoft gets it.....they just aren't 'sexy' enough to have the same success as an Apple store. An Apple store is just fun to go hang out in.... the product lines are slick..the product lines are very slick and appealing. i just see Microsoft being able to pull this off. In about 3 years i see the new headline "Microsoft to close retails stores by 2012"

[kamanashi]

If only that were true about the Apple store near me. No body goes there and the employees are miserable. I may not like Macs, but I would go there to get Ipods or an Apple TV if they were actually helpful.

[sgirard]

So, I will be able to drop by the Microsoft store to get troubleshooting assistance with my PC? That sounds way better than waiting on the phone with Dell customer service.

[Vegaman_Dan]

It's an interesting notion that Random_Walk first brought up. I don't know the answer to that and the article doesn't address it. We'll have to wait and see.

[Vegaman_Dan]

As a followup that just occured to me- I wonder if you could take your XBOX in for service directly, or even better yet, get a replacement on site as a trade-in? That could really help out a lot for when you get the RROD.

[naterandrews]

The future of Microsoft Retail stores? Two words.. Gateway Country..