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Arizona and California to get first stores

by on30 July 2009

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First Microsoft retail outlets to be in West


As the pace quickens toward the opening of the Microsoft retail stores, we have confirmed that Microsoft will open the first two units in Arizona and California.

The Microsoft stores, which will compete almost directly with the already existing Apple stores, will be opened in California at The Shops at Mission Viejo, which already has an Apple store. The second will be opened in the Scottsdale Fashion Square in Arizona.

Microsoft is looking for these retail locations to be successful and has hired former Wal-Mart exec David Porter to oversee the retail store operation. While we know that the store will be centered on Microsoft software and hardware products, a great deal of the store will be devoted to by the Xbox 360 and Zune, as well. In addition, Microsoft will be selling partner products, such as mobile phones that run the company’s software and partner titles for the Xbox 360.

It is still unknown how many stores Microsoft plans to actually open this year, but depending on the success of the first two units, this could really have a lot of input as to the direction this initiative takes. The stores are targeted to compete with the Apple stores, but Microsoft might not be able to replicate the success that Apple has had in the retail sector. Still, Microsoft seems to believe that having a store dedicated to their products might just be the ticket going forward; after all, it worked for Apple.

Last modified on 30 July 2009
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