Microsoft store to open Thursday with concert
updated 08:20 am EDT, Mon October 19, 2009
Microsoft ad shows store launch details
Microsoft has confirmed plans to open its first Microsoft store on Windows 7's launch for Thursday. The Arizona Republic ad promises the Scottsdale store will open at 10AM and is providing multiple incentives to spur early traffic: the first 1,000 visitors get gift bags and tickets to an Ashley Tisdale concert at 5PM. Every PC buyer on launch day gets a free HP printer and a copy of Office 2007 Home & Student.
The strategy partly mirrors Apple's tendency to offer concerts at flagship stores as well as its giveaways, though the Mac producer rarely offers special discounts. Microsoft is known to be patterning its store design closely after Apple retail with answer bars and open spaces but with an emphasis on customization as well as all of Microsoft's main product lines, including Windows Mobile, Xbox 360 and Zune. [via Gizmodo]
Gargantor!
10/19, 09:11am reply
Gurgle. Plink. Plink.
thebiggfrogg
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Joined: Jul 2007
What are they going to sell?
10/19, 09:44am (1 reply) reply
What are they going to sell? Software and the Xbox!
I'm guessing they picked Scottsdale because everyone there is retired, old, and don't have much of a clue about technology!
Wow, I take it back, they should do well.
Xinnix
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Joined: Nov 2003
Yawn...
10/19, 09:46am reply
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...
philomath777
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Joined: Mar 2004
Concert?
10/19, 09:49am (1 reply) reply
Who's Ashley Tisdale?
Sandkat
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Joined: Jul 2005
me too
10/19, 09:52am reply
the nerds are throwing themselves a party I wonder if Balmer will be there? If so crank up the air conditioning or he will be sweating all over the place.
kerryb
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Joined: Aug 2001
Bribery...
10/19, 10:05am (1 reply) reply
If youre gonna bribe people, why not use something worthwhile.. like an iPod touch :)
but hey.. Ashley Tisdale should attract 2 types of people. Pre-teen girls and pedophiles. Should be a great opening!
eldarkus
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Joined: Feb 2004
I think I'll show up
10/19, 10:11am reply
wearing my Apple Store Biltmore shirt.
Oh, I forgot... I don't freakin' care.
climacs
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Joined: Sep 2001
It's the only way
10/19, 10:52am (1 reply) reply
It's the only way MS can almost guarantee a crowd and some publicity from the news. Otherwise it would be a snoozefest. Come to think of it, yeah it will still be a snoozefest.
slapppy
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Joined: Mar 2008
Re: me too
10/19, 11:18am (1 reply) reply
the nerds are throwing themselves a party I wonder if Balmer will be there? If so crank up the air conditioning or he will be sweating all over the place.
The nerds? You mean the same ones who show up for Apple grand openings? Or are we talking a different set of nerds? You know, the couple who walk around in their matching "Carlsbad" shirts, like I saw over the weekend. Must've been planning a visit to the local Apple store, I guess (and is that what you're supposed to do, where your Apple T-Shirt to the local apple store?)
testudo
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Joined: Aug 2001
Are they serious?
10/19, 11:22am reply
I'm shocked they're going through with this. I mean, one could argue walking into a MS store is about as fresh as walking into a Best Buy--but with far less anticipation. At least Best Buy sells washing machines and dishwashers.
RoodAwakening
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Joined: Oct 2009