Microsoft stores to open near Windows 7 release?
updated 12:40 pm EDT, Thu October 15, 2009
Microsoft retail timed with new OS
Microsoft's planned retail store openings will start just in time for Windows 7's appearance next week, a leak late yesterday may reveal. A single source for the WSJ says the first store, in Scottsdale, Arizona, should open either on Windows 7's October 22nd release date or within a few days afterwards. However, it would be the only store to launch near the OS as the Mission Viejo, California store would only open a few weeks later.
The software developer is also understood as taking a much more cautious approach to retail expansion than previously thought and is waiting on early reactions to the first two stores before committing to more.
Most of the actual store layouts are already known and should lift multiple concepts directly from Apple, including an answer bar that directly clones Genius Bars as well as a bright, open layout with fully functioning demo units. The newer source adds that a 94-inch screen will be in place for shoppers to try out Xbox 360 games.
Microsoft is counting on its retail shops as part of a wider image makeover following the damage done by Vista and Windows Mobile. Much of its known strategy to date has borrowed heavily from Apple, however, and has involved luring Apple retail staff, up to and including former Apple real estate VP George Blankenship to head up its store strategy.
Genius!
10/15, 12:50pm reply
They are so creative at Microsoft!
Bogartte
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2000
not creative Bogartte
10/15, 12:58pm reply
nor genius, they "innovate".
nat
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Answer bar
10/15, 12:59pm reply
I hear it's going to be called the "Sidekick Bar" - bring in your problem and they will lose it for you.
robttwo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2005
trollbait
10/15, 01:03pm reply
Microsoft is counting on its retail shops as part of a wider image makeover following the damage done by Vista and Windows Mobile. Much of its known strategy to date has borrowed heavily from Apple, however, and has involved luring Apple retail staff, up to and including former Apple real estate VP George Blankenship to head up its store strategy.
luckydaaaaaay... come out and plaaaaaaaaay
climacs
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2001
Innovation?
10/15, 10:46pm reply
No, flat out imitation! I suspect that Microsoft would have died if it weren't for Apple, who paves the way, and Microsoft follows. Now Microsoft stores, well, obviously. Apple innovates, Microsoft imitates, simple as that. Er, just my opinion! Lol!
Bogartte
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2000
field trip to Mission Viejo
10/16, 01:57am reply
when opening day is set i'm going down to pick me up a copy of Windows 7. and then I"m going to ask one of them experts to help me install it.
on my 17 inch mac book pro.
maybe I should take my iphone with me and see if they can help me set it up on itunes for windows.
charlituna
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2009
Starting Something Original...
10/22, 09:19pm reply
OMG. OMG. Our stores ROCK!
deb
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2009