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Microsoft ’s first store is ready to open and it could as early as Monday according to multiple published reports. Phoenix will play host to the first store as the software maker ups the ante in its competitive posturing with Apple.
As Reuters reported this weekend, the timing for Microsoft is perfect, as Microsoft's new Windows 7 operating system also rolls out next week.
Expectations are running high that its first store, in the Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale, Arizona, will open next week, to coincide with the launch of Microsoft's new Windows 7 operating system next Thursday.
With a close friend living in Phoenix, I'm told foot traffic by the location of Microsoft's store has been "overwhelming."
Microsoft has so far been coy about its retail plans and a company spokeswoman would not officially pin down an opening date beyond "the fall." Chief executive Steve Ballmer teased reporters with an imminent opening on Friday, but also would not commit to a date.
Microsoft's David Porter, corporate VP of retail stores said, "Our customers have told us they want more choice, more value, and better service, and that's what we'll deliver through our Microsoft Stores."
Despite earlier reports that Microsoft would only open its stores "right next door" to Apple stores, it seems that plan has now changed.
"We'll open a couple of stores, try to improve, open a couple more stores," Ballmer said.
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