Rumor: Microsoft to establish retail stores

by Richard Mitchell { Apr 15th 2008 at 2:45PM }

A website by the name of Fudzilla is reporting that Microsoft is looking to launch its own chain of retail stores. The rumor comes via "sources close to Microsoft," and claims that MS will open said stores to showcase Microsoft products and will employ "skilled people," to show customers "the true Microsoft experience." Yes, it sounds more than a bit like the strategy currently utilized by Apple and its chain of boutique stores.

A key distinction here is that Microsoft doesn't have the same range of hardware that Apple produces, which makes one wonder exactly what will be on display. Of course, one would expect to see Zunes and Xbox 360s, but beyond that and a handful of PC peripherals, Microsoft is mainly a software producer. Maybe we'll see PCs loaded with MS software?

The only other question that remains is whether or not Microsoft can capture some of the mindshare that has been lost to Apple. If Microsoft can manage to make customers pay a ridiculously high price for socks, then they're on the right track.

[Via Trusted Reviews. Original Image by Fleur-Design]

Tags: microsoft, retail, rumors

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ben @ Apr 15th 2008 2:50PM

maybe the Microsoft socks would have achievements.

victor360hd @ Apr 15th 2008 3:02PM

good idea micro$oft!!!!!!!!!

Da @ Apr 15th 2008 7:28PM

Yeah, hopefully this will get xbox's and their software out of game stores. That stuff takes up way too much space.

eugene @ Apr 15th 2008 7:34PM

This isn't new. MS tried this 8 years ago with a store called microsoftSF in the Sony Metreon building (lol) in downtowan San Francisco.

The store went all out, had a lot of sales people on the floor, had frequent training sessions so that they knew what they were talking about. Had a LOT of demo units out that people could test out various MS products.

There was a lot of people who came through to look but very few people bought anything. Those that did were mostly buying computers and laptops. Software sales were not good at all.

It eventually collapsed and became some generic computer/digital life store and that closed as well.

I was there, I helped open the store. Met a lot of wonderful people and worked some crazy hours.

Jomolungma @ Apr 15th 2008 3:04PM

I think one way MSFT can differentiate themselves from Apple is to have "actors" in costumes, a la Disney World, floating around the store taking pictures with kids and fumbling with keyboards, controllers, and Zunes because their costume hands are too large for the tiny keys/buttons. That would be a nice-to-have.

SadisticHam @ Apr 15th 2008 3:04PM

Wouldn't mind some of these in the UK if they stocked lots of 360 games, we could do with some competition theres only one big retail video game shop around really.

Raheem @ Apr 15th 2008 3:17PM

Correct, regardless of what Zaavi, HMV, Play.com, Amazon, Chips, CEX and indies would have you think. Oh wait... THAT'S why the Competition Commission approved the merger.

SadisticHam @ Apr 15th 2008 4:18PM

A lot of wise guys on here recently, always trying to prove a point over something or another. Ok lets go through your list.

Zaavi - Who? One quick google search and I'm finding nothing, how many shops country wide do these guys have?

HMV - Are a music store, yes they sell games but they don't specialize in it. I said:

"theres only one big retail video game shop around"

I suppose i should of been more clear, apologies i wasn't expecting someone to quote me and list any shop under the sun that sells video games. Not to mention HMV is often over priced.

Play - Game have a large stake in this, there no more competition than gamestation is.

Amazon - Er got me there i guess? Again, don't specialize in video games though, you might as well mention Asda, they sell video games but they don't have a large selection, the service isn't the same and overall it isn't the same as a specialist.

The last 3 I've never heard of, hardly major competition if there not country wide. Why yo ufelt the need to attempt to correct me i don't know, i was only stating we could do with more competition. Theres very little of it where i live.

Nintendo is Fail @ Apr 15th 2008 5:08PM

How have you never heard of Amazon? They sell tons of video games. And they have better deals then say Gamestop for example. They also don't have ridiculous prices for used games like Gamestop does if you don't want to buy brand new. I've bought most of my games from them and I even plan on pre-ordering GTA 4 from them too.

Cal @ Apr 15th 2008 5:29PM

Virgin Megastores have been rebranded as (and probably bought by) 'Zavvi'.

Now my opinions:

HMV & Zavvi are only good for deals (like 1k MS Points)

GAME/Gamestation charge too close the the RRP

Play.com used to be cheap, but as they gained market share they started to become like GAME...

Haven't heard of the other two but CEX (Computer Exchange) sell second hand stuff, generally at high prices (my local CEX stopped buying for cash...)

Personally I use which ever online retailer has the best deal or discount codes available and reliable delivery, usually game.co.uk, gameplay.co.uk or play.com

SadisticHam @ Apr 15th 2008 5:54PM

"How have you never heard of Amazon"

I have. :P I never said i hadn't, i said he got me there. I know about Amazon, don't use it myself though.

Thanks for the heads up Cal on the renaming, never knew that. o.0

Phil J W @ Apr 15th 2008 3:12PM

are you kidding? Mac has ipods, computers, and one phone. Microsoft can have the software there, xbox, zune, games, and of course computers that are running ms programs and dont forget about microsofts mobile department, with version 6.1 just being released, surface and many other technologies that are coming but im sure we know nothign about.

Raheem @ Apr 15th 2008 3:17PM

You mean Apple. Mac is not a company.

Mr Cool @ Apr 15th 2008 3:20PM

I agree with this guy. I mean Apple only has its limited range of computers, its iPods, and a single phone! Microsoft has a lot more products that it could display if this rumor were true than Apple stores...

Van Faulk @ Apr 15th 2008 4:48PM

Mr Cool

Yes, but Apple has legions of fanboys blessed with more money than brains and a fanatacism that is only rivaled by suicide bombers, sony fans and people who like babylon 5.

That's the problem. People use Mac stuff because they want to buy into the image...because somehow apple products will fill that void inside.

People buy MS stuff largely because they don't want to buy the alternatives, not out of any loyalty. That's why the stores aren't necessarily a good idea. Apple can support a store on 3 products alone. because they have people who will actually buy those things. And rebuy them when the newer, cooler version comes out in a year.

MS is not so fortunate.

joey @ Apr 15th 2008 3:11PM

You forgot the Big Ass Table

Gemini Ace @ Apr 15th 2008 3:12PM

I would love to see this. The Apple store sucks. It's all iPods and MacBooks. Boring!

joey @ Apr 15th 2008 4:09PM

I hope you weren't looking for fruits in the Apple Store.

sparki @ Apr 15th 2008 3:26PM

Wait a minute!!! Is the MS store gonna sell the iPhone like in that pic?

=P

mcwattersm @ Apr 15th 2008 3:29PM

I think this would be more similar to the Sony stores then the Apple stores.

Phil J W @ Apr 15th 2008 3:32PM

and could you imagine, like a peice of clothing when it breaks or is DOA, you go back to the STORE, so instead of mailing your 360 why not head over to the microsoft store and drop off your 360, hassel free. Id love to see a microsoft store, with people in there that know stuff about there products, could you imagine a guy like major nelson running one of these stores, the information i'd learn and things i'd see. I hate going into my local best buy or futureshop and have them know nothing about anything, just looking for a commition, id rather listen to a microsft geek to find out why no elites are in stock, and of course with a retail store opening, just imagine the advacned flyers and sales that would be leaked over the net, forget about bestbuy having a new sku in the coming year, this retail store could huire a little lacky who could leak all that stuff, straight from the source. X3F seemed to make it sound like a bad idea, i infact welcome it with open arms. i cant wait.

ccc @ Apr 15th 2008 3:36PM

Achievement unlocked clothing!

Or locked:(

xFenixKnightx @ Apr 15th 2008 3:48PM

This could be really awesome! 3 or 4 42" flatscreens with TOP 360 games. Zunes, Games, phones, PC's. They should really do this and test them out in the larger markets first. NY, LA, Miami, Chicago, Houston, you get the point. I bet this could take off. But with Fudzilla being the source of this...smells like teh FAILZ =(

David W. @ Apr 15th 2008 3:57PM

I agree with everyone else, I think this could actually work.

Partner up with some of the major PC makers to sell their computers in store.

Have a play area for 360's, have tournaments once a week with prizes.

Have the ability to bring your 360 to the store for repair (don't have to wait for them to send you the coffin)

This could be a great idea...

Open one in Dallas!

DupontNumber24 @ Apr 15th 2008 4:12PM

Mr Mitchell, is that a shot of the Apple store at Woodland Hills Mall? God a I hate that mall.

h0mi @ Apr 15th 2008 4:18PM

On site repair would be !@&*#(!&*(# awesome.

drew @ Apr 15th 2008 4:41PM

this would be awesome.

horngreen @ Apr 15th 2008 6:50PM

One things for sure, a store full of running 360s would be hot and loud as hell.

Brento @ Apr 16th 2008 7:10PM

At least we'll know where to go to buy a RED RING OF DEATH.

Dwag @ Apr 15th 2008 7:46PM

good idea as long as they dont have messed up 360s on display and is a lot like nintendo world they'll be good i mean tournaments can be held there free giveaways all the works I'd go there.

Trekster_Gamer @ Apr 15th 2008 9:23PM

Even if the 360 is the main focus of the store which it should be, they will have great displays showing off the great games for the 360. I get tired of going to places like walmart, gamestop, best buy and the display for the 360 is either broken or you can hear or get the really fun immersive experience the 360 brings. They will be able to show you the whole experience the 360 brings to the table. I agree with the other statement, if you do have a issue with your hardware then you can take it to the store instead of mailing it back.