Microsoft to open retail stores?
A bold decision if true, given the difficult economic times for the foreseeable future.
Many of Microsoft's established retail partners are finding times tough and some may not survive. So this may not be such a bad idea. Retail premises in prime locations are becoming vacant and could be snapped up for a good price.
But the question is, can Microsoft do retail.
Unlike Apple, Sony and Nokia, all experienced in the art of retail, Microsoft doesn't really have a "Lifestyle". It's a software company that dabbles in bits of hardware, Xboxes and Zunes, the odd mouse or two and a couple of web cams.
I can't see a Microsoft retail store being very exciting, any more than PC World is now. Plus the door is now open for a round of the most obvious jokes. Will the store be filled with Blue Screens?
Will you have to press the enter button to leave?
Will you be advised to have all your shots up to date before entering?
Will the Genius Bar be staffed by lank haired slightly smelly and overweight nerds in dirty anoraks?
The in store WiFi network might work on your Windows laptop. Then again, it might not.
Etc. We'll see how this develops, but given Microsoft's less than stellar nose for style I predict the stores will be a bit gaudy and confusing to the shopper trying to find that new Office application or media player. http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/channel/microsoft_plans_to_open_retail...
Many of Microsoft's established retail partners are finding times tough and some may not survive. So this may not be such a bad idea. Retail premises in prime locations are becoming vacant and could be snapped up for a good price.
But the question is, can Microsoft do retail.
Unlike Apple, Sony and Nokia, all experienced in the art of retail, Microsoft doesn't really have a "Lifestyle". It's a software company that dabbles in bits of hardware, Xboxes and Zunes, the odd mouse or two and a couple of web cams.
I can't see a Microsoft retail store being very exciting, any more than PC World is now. Plus the door is now open for a round of the most obvious jokes. Will the store be filled with Blue Screens?
Will you have to press the enter button to leave?
Will you be advised to have all your shots up to date before entering?
Will the Genius Bar be staffed by lank haired slightly smelly and overweight nerds in dirty anoraks?
The in store WiFi network might work on your Windows laptop. Then again, it might not.
Etc. We'll see how this develops, but given Microsoft's less than stellar nose for style I predict the stores will be a bit gaudy and confusing to the shopper trying to find that new Office application or media player. http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/channel/microsoft_plans_to_open_retail...