Second Microsoft Store one week later

Microsoft today confirmed more of its retail opening plans with sites for its first two stores. In addition to confirming the Scottsdale opening this Thursday, the Windows creator now says the Mission Viejo, California store is due to open a week later, on October 29th. It should partly mirror the Arizona opening with Justin Bieber performing a concert at the second location for the first 1,000 to ask for free tickets.

Both stores are poised to follow a common formula partly based on Apple's retail shops that includes a theater for concerts and learning sessions as well as "answer bars" and an emphasis on complete device displays.

Microsoft has to date avoided making any more definitive plans regarding future stores and is rumored to be taking a wait-and-see approach to avoid over-committing to retail without signs it will be successful. The pressure is nonetheless high on the company to expand as Apple's retail revenue grew nine percent this summer even in spite of an ongoing economic slump.

By Electronista Staff