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Microsoft Opening Retail Stores

by Nick Breckon, Feb 12, 2009 6:17pm PST
Related Topics – xbox 360, Microsoft, PC

Following in the footsteps of its competitors, Microsoft today announced it will open its own line of retail stores, according to Reuters.

Microsoft did not specify how many stores will be opened, and released no details on which of its products the stores would carry.

The company did announce that it has hired ex-DreamWorks executive David Porter to head up the new retail division. Porter's background is in retail, having served as the vice president of Wal-Mart's entertainment division for 17 years.

Many of Microsoft's chief rivals already run their own retail outlets, including Apple, Sony and Nintendo.

Microsoft launched the Microsoft Retail Experience Center in January, a massive private Redmond facility with the goal of testing innovative retail technology. Click through for a video tour of the "experience":


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Comments

31 Threads | 152 Comments*
  • #116
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    By: cannelbrae x
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    Seems prudent. Brick and mortar retailers are suffering which means less exposure and support for non-internet buyers. This insures their products stay public.

    In addition, it gives them places to sell third party peripherals which could otherwise struggle without local brick and mortar shops.

    Of course, this will cost them a bunch of money, but if it preserves market share it could be a good thing. If they're smart, they'll share the shop with another vendor or two - someone who is competing more directly with iphone perhaps. That would give them locations and more foot traffic.
    Feb 12, 2009 10:54pm PST