 Will this be their first retail store? |
Microsoft Corp has announced plans to open its own chain of branded stores as it looks to catch up with rival Apple Inc’s successful move into retailing. The world’s largest software company, which also makes the Xbox video game console and the Zune digital music player, did not say how many stores it was looking to open, or when, or which of its products would be on sale.
That is to be decided by David Porter, a former DreamWorks Animation executive, which Microsoft named as its new vice president of retail stores.
Turner, a former Wal-Mart Stores Inc manager, will report to Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner.
Microsoft, bruised by the poor reception of its latest Vista operating system, is facing increased competition from Apple, which is eating into the personal computer market and dominates the personal digital music player market with its iPod line.
They could be terrific – or they could suck. I think the funniest thing would be doing exact copies of the Apple stores – just as Apple has decided it’s time for a redesign.
This, is going to be fun.
#35 is right!!!! Let the mayhem begin!!!
They better install ‘bullet proof’ glass..
# 13 pedro : You forgot the obnoxious Windows opening theme every time someone walks in the door.
# 15 Paddy-O : Really? I’ve been living overseas for the last 25 years and have never been in an Apple Store. I’m in Thailand right now and in the shopping mall, Apple runs a kiosk but it sells little more than iPods and laptops. Of course, price is part of the problem. The most common laptops purchased here are Asus or Acer or BenQ. Often sold without an operating system which you buy for $2 at the local pirate errr software shop.
MSFT has Apple store envy. would do better to put knowledgeable reps in B.B. etc. stores.
I dont see myself spending too much time in a MSFT store. it wont be like an Apple store.
should have spent from huge reserves on a new OS with a new platform in 64 bit. my next PC will be Imac 10.x. MSFT is a falling star!
Wow another great idea from Redmond. Just imagine: iPod v. Zune head to head; Vista vs. Snow Leopard head to head; iPhone vs Mobile Windows anything head to head; Office for Mac (the platform for which it was developed) vs. Office 2010 head to head. Apple sales will skyrocket and folks will see Microsoft for what it is….. poorly designed, poorly executed crap sitting on a bloated and kludgy 20th century operating system.