In a strong attempt to recreate the success of our beloved super-sexy Apple Stores, Microsoft has employed the help of Apple's former real estate chief George Blankenship. Blankenship was responsible for the some of the early retail store launches for Apple.
As an expert in scouting out prime retail locations, Blankenship spent much of his career working along side the Gap until he later joined the Apple team. Now he is teaming up with Microsoft to help launch their new retail push. As a consultant, Microsoft is probably hoping to benefit from Blankership's retail experience.
Microsoft hasn't made any announcements as to where they plan on opening their first retail stores, but they have begun to post openings on their web site, announcing the need for store managers who "will lead [a] highly knowledgeable and friendly team..."
Microsoft first made public its retail goals in February when naming former DreamWorks Animation and Wal-Mart executive David Porter as its corporate V.P of retail stores, but initially down played the rumors of a Microsoft shop; until this past week when CEO Kevin Turner said that they would be opening some Microsoft stores next to, or near, existing Apple Stores. This will allow Microsoft to provide a full on Microsoft sponsored showcase for Windows 7... and Zune.
Via TechFlash
neolektro
July 22, 2009 at 10:17am
I would be embarrassed to be seen in the Microsoft store... even by mistake!. But I am sure they will have their regular customers socializing and sharing stories about blue screens and viruses. I wish them fun and luck. I would just stay in the 'cool' side. 8-)
dezinewiz@mac.com
July 21, 2009 at 4:56pm
So, when I visit a Micro$oft store, (aka MicroCRAP), am I going to be attacked by virus's upon entering?Will the sales people need to consistently restart, due to too many incoming commands?Will a huge BSOD (blue screen of death) come crashing down from the ceiling, when there are too many people in the store, and the environmental controls can't handle the heat?When I want to pay with several different methods, will their computer systems crash, because they can't multi-task?Or, will the whole store look like an Apple store, with the Windows logo, and be filled with cardboard cutouts of Apple employees?Oh, will the computers distribute virus's through the electrical outlets, thereby shutting down the electrical grid, and all other systems that make the mall run?Will I require a Microsoft degree, just to start asking about networking?Someone must stop this infectious assault against humanity immediately.
