Microsoft's First Store Opening "Imminent"

[Michael Essany]

Image via Gearlive.com

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.

Microsoft has hinted that the new store will be a grand showcase of all things Microsoft - from mobile phones demonstrating Microsoft software to Xbox 360 game consoles. It has also been reported that visitors to the store will have an opportunity to play Xbox 360 on a giant 94-inch in-house screen.

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.

Combating Apple in the retail department won't be easy, but Microsoft has said the stores will exist to help create more "direct connections" with Microsoft hardware and software users, one area in which Apple presently has Microsoft beat hands down.

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.

[daching]

Wait, Microsoft doesn't have a store yet?
They must be way behind Apple.

[RonHC]

hmmmm i may apply for a job there

[Fallguy]

Just in time for Christmas .

[Reket]

Perfect timing in opening that store. Right for the holiday season. I think they should have opened their first store in NYC tho...

[awesomeSlayer]

That's surprising. Microsoft doesn't even have a store. That's why Apple is beating them. NOT! However, it is the best time for holidays and possibly, birthdays.

[sk8er982]

I work right next to the Microsoft store in Mission Viejo.

Ive been watching the store as they have been setting it up.

Its in the old arden b spot.

Its HUGH! You could fit 3 good size stores inside this store.

I cant see much of the store other then the barracade outside.

Ill try to upload a picture from where im sitting.

[ultimatexpka]

I work right next to the Microsoft store in Mission Viejo.

Ive been watching the store as they have been setting it up.

Its in the old arden b spot.

Its HUGH! You could fit 3 good size store inside this store.

I cant see much of the store other then the barracade outside.

Ill try to upload a picture from where im sitting.

lol keep us updated!, we wana see the inside of the store when its done

[Sherm23]

i wonder if the will have a Genius Bar...they could call it the Geniuser Bar! I bet a bunch of their employees will have iPhones.

[nighthawk283]

Wow thats great news i so glad they are making a Microsoft store, thats all i need is a place to find cool stuff for any of my 6 computers, either windows 2000, windows XP Home, windows XP professional,windows vista business windows 7 professional, windows 7 unlimited

[sk8er982]

lol keep us updated!, we wana see the inside of the store when its done

i will do that!

[tudtran]

Great Ideas.

[sziklassy]

That's surprising. Microsoft doesn't even have a store. That's why Apple is beating them.

Um, what? In what universe is THAT true?

Wow thats great news i so glad they are making a Microsoft store, thats all i need is a place to find cool stuff for any of my 6 computers, either windows 2000, windows XP Home, windows XP professional,windows vista business windows 7 professional, windows 7 unlimited

Brag much? Half of what you just listed is garbage by today's standards anyway.

[awesomeSlayer]

Um, what? In what universe is THAT true?

Wait, never mind, what I just said isn't exactly true. Microsoft beats Apple in money while Apple beats Microsoft in making their products sexy.

[smuggler]

wow microsoft is waaaay behind... haha, shows how desperate they are. and their products are sheer GARBAGE! i'll run it on my mbp only for compatibility issues with software i use for work, but do i prefer to? hell the f*** no!

[08lexus250]

they sure are way behind =/

[santaf]

what doesnt make sense is that the store should open in seattle double you tee eff i wanna see it though i'm applying to an apple retail store right now and live right next to it hah

[akash_nu]

I've walked by that spot quite a few times in the last few months. I work just down the street from there now, so on the way home from work I think I'll stop by and check it out, maybe snap some pictures if anyone is interested.

Yeah do upload some pics. We wanna see the 1st ever Microsoft store

[rwin84]

Starting to fight the uphill battle. Good luck MS

[iamcecil]

What exactly do they sell at the Microsoft store? Maybe they'll have replacement control-alt-delete buttons.