Microsoft Opening Stores...Near Apple Stores

You know that Apple store down at your local mall? In a few months, it may be sharing a zip code with your local Microsoft store. In all goes to plan, the software giant responsible for Windows and Office will launch an assault on Apple and other consumer electronics companies by erecting a number of retail outlets designed specifically to showcase, market and sell Microsoft wares.

A company representative was quoted as saying: "As we progress on our retail strategy there will be scenarios where we have stores in proximity to Apple. We are on track to open stores in the fall time frame." Of course, the intentions to launch this fall makes perfect sense. Two major launches are on track for Microsoft's Q3: Windows 7 and the Zine HD. With Vista widely seen as a lackluster operating system that never really delivered the "Wow!" the world was promised going in, Microsoft needs a new venue to push its forthcoming replacement. What better way than the assemble flashy stores that'll bring curious consumers in to see Win7 benefits in the flesh?

Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner told attendees at the Worldwide Partner Conference in New Orleans: "And stay tuned, because we're going to have some retail stores opened up that are opened up right next door to Apple stores this fall," he said. "Stay tuned, just stay tuned."


We're still waiting to hear exactly how the stores will look, how they'll be arranged and what products they'll focus on, but you can definitely say that we're excited to see how this initiative turns out. Oh, and we wonder if actual PCs will be sold there--can you imagine the bidding wars going on between computer makers to have their brand featured? Good times.