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Microsoft To Open Retail Stores
chaz373 writes "CNET reports that Microsoft is going retail. In the 'Beyond Binary' blog Ina Fried reports, 'After years of brushing off the notion, Microsoft said on Thursday that it will open up its own line of retail stores. Without detailing the plans, Microsoft said it has hired David Porter, a 25-year Wal-Mart veteran, to lead the effort. Sources say that Porter's mission will be to develop the company's retail plans and that the effort is likely to start small with just a few locations.'"
This should be entertaining...
Yes... Apple has had lot of success with its retail stores, but it already had the reputation and recognition to drive people to the stores.
For Microsoft, I fear that they are going to be just like the Sony stores.... Better Location than the Apple store, but considerable less people in the store.
I get Mac stores since they sell their image...oh, and proprietary hardware. But a specialized Microsoft store, even though I like some of their products, doesn't make sense to me. I can pick up Microsoft software at nearly anywhere already, and some of it that I don't even want comes on my computer every time I buy a new one.
See all the great products that already come by default on your PC.
If you have an Old version buy a new one... See that it doesn't work on your old PC and buy a New One with all the products you just bought is pre-installed!
If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
Clippy will man the Super Genius Bar. And they will have Karaoke using that new tech of theirs. Don't forget the $10,000 coffee tables.
To the first person who obtains, and releases into the Microsoft retail store, a dog bearing an uncanny resemblance to the horrible Windows search dog.
The article does touch on PC makers showcasing wares in the store. The idea of a MS store creates some questions in my mind.
First, what PC's will be showcased? I would think the high-end systems mentioned would be a great idea. There are plenty of mid and low end systems at current electronic retailers.
Secondly, can someone walk out with a PC? And if so, is MS going to do any service at the store? This is what the Apple store has going for it; a full service shop.
A few people have tried with only limited success (anyone remember the Gateway stores?).
I love the sound of distortion in the morning -- webcommando
With the economic downturn and stockholders angry for MS spending 'too much' on R&D, this is the *perfect* time to acquire a bunch of retail space and hire new employees!
If your only tool is a hammer, every problem becomes a nail.
Summary is misleading. Microsoft has tried retail before. (before apple and dell, even.)
No way are these stores going to be less than 75% Xbox/GFW.
--- Do you believe in the day?
I wish them all the success that Gateway had with their stores!
This guy's the limit!
iPod is to Zune as Apple Store is to Microsoft Store. I predict it'll be an embarrassing rip off of the Apple Store that will cause no more than snickering from most people. And their customers will be nothing but MCSEs looking for a place to hang out. Should be amusing.
The best part is that Microsoft is dumb enough to keep pouring money into a losing venture for decades...
Do you have ESP?
Wow! This really takes me back! Who here over the age of 25 never pulled this one at their local 80's retailer (I was always partial to Sears, myself...):
10 PRINT "SEARS SUCKS!"
20 GOTO 10
Looks like I finally have a reason to learn javascript...
What's the point though? Their software, Zunes, Xbox(360)s are already sold by dozens upon dozens of other retailers. This whole venture just seems pointless.
My guess is to provide a showcase, that they control, for their products. They can do events, conduct training, etc, much like Apple but won't need to use their store to sell product as much as Apple does.
Given the closure of major electronic/computer retailers that used to provide the venue where customers could see MS products in action MS probably wants to ensure it keeps a presence in front of consumers.
In addition, the closure of stores gives the remaining ones more clout and this gives MS a counter to that.
Finally, retail space is pretty cheap right now - if this works MS can get some good locations on the cheap; if it fails they just fold shop and write it off.
I'm a consultant - I convert gibberish into cash-flow.
I can see it now: you walk into the store (by accident) and an assistant dressed as a paper clip appears beside you saying
"You look like you're trying to buy a PC. Shall I ..
* ignore all your needs and suggest one now
* spew FUD about anything not owned by Microsoft
* help myself to your wallet now
* do a weird little spin and bugger off!"
When Apple went into retail, they got a guy from the nice Gap stores to set it up. When Microsoft does the same thing, they get a guy from WalMart. That pretty much sums up the difference between Apple and Microsoft.
At that time the Sony metro-center was trying to be a high tech playground. It had innovative video games, a new movie theater, a theme restaurant, action figure store, and the MicroSoft software store. I stopped by there to get free email updates. I store was in the center of "Dot com land" or SoMa lofts for high tech work and living. Lots of people from Stanford and Silicon valley lived there because it was just a train ride up the pennisula, with a urban ambience. That area faded a bit after the dot.com crash.
So does that mean the store will close down right in the middle of you trying to make a serious purchase decision?
I wonder how much MS Partner Software will be there, there are lots of companies that have no retail presence of their own, but sell Office Add-ons.
Also they could easily fill the rest of the store with Xbox consoles and Video Games.
Keep two Xbox 360s up playing new titles, and a Surface for demonstrations and the store would get decent foot traffic.
Put in a couple of models of Laptops and PCs made by select OEMs and you'd have enough stuff to justify a store.
It's April Fool's Day already?
It'll be a great place to hand out OpenOffice CD's on a Sunday afternoon. I love living in Seattle.
Is there anything better than clicking through Microsoft ads on Slashdot?
Well shit, does this mean that I will need to pay state sales tax when I purchase Microsoft products online?