Microsoft is launching a temporary retail store at SouthPark mall for the holidays, according to reports on tech news websites.
PCMag.com says that the tech giant is planning to open more than 30 stores for the holidays. In addition to the SouthPark store, Microsoft is also opening one in Durham, in the Streets at Southpoint. Microsoft is playing catch-up to Apple, which already has some 300 retail stores, including one each in SouthPark and Northlake Mall.
The Apple stores have been a boon to Apple, becoming some of the highest-grossing retail outlets in the world.There's no word yet on when the store will open at SouthPark or if it will be permanent. Microsoft has about two dozen stores currently, and plans to have 75 in the next couple of years.
The holiday stores will have plenty of new Microsoft merchandise to try and stimulate consumers' appetites. Windows 8, the new Windows Phone, and Microsoft's new Surface tablet could all be hot items.
What do you think - should a Microsoft store become permanent at SouthPark?
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Microsoft definitely needs a permanent store in Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteI will pass, afraid I will catch a virus.
ReplyDeleteGross! Microsoft is so yesterday. I will NEVER buy another Microsoft program, or product, EVER, EVER, EVER again.
ReplyDeleteOn a recent Trip to Mall of America in MN, It was funny to see the MS store directly across from the APPLE Store. MS tried to mimic the Apple Store Layout, all the kids in the MS store wore Blue Shirts. And Truthfully they were all just standing around with nothing to do meanwhile the Apple store had at least 200 people in it.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, Microsoft is several years behind the curve.
ReplyDeleteum....exactly what will they be selling....boxes of software? This shows just how out of touch this company really is.
ReplyDeleteWas at a MS store in Chicago a few months ago. I didn't see what the hype was.
ReplyDeleteOnce you go Mac, you'll never go back.
These stores are so 2004. Everything in there you can order online and delivered to your door step, unless you really need some form of human tech support (but I fix my own computers. Sheesh anyone who knows how to search can solve 99% of their problems.) I haven't bought a computer or tech equipment from a store in ages. Even the Apple store, I mostly just see kids running around checking their facebook accounts and playing angry birds on the ipads.
ReplyDeleteThat's weird Annon 11:06, on a recent trip to Atlanta this summer the Microsoft Store @ Lenox Square was pretty busy. I have no idea how busy the Apple Store was because I didn't go in there. I think it's a great idea for Microsoft to open these stores. If they can build compelling products, people will buy them. I say bring on the permanent store and see how it goes.
ReplyDelete"um....exactly what will they be selling....boxes of software? This shows just how out of touch this company really is.
ReplyDeleteSeptember 18, 2012 11:56 AM"
let's see, there's this thing call an xbox, heard of it? also MS will be making it's own tablet called the surface. lastly it's kind of silly to think they won't carry some high end ultra books and possibly some windows phones from different manufacturers. I think it's you that is out of touch...
It'd be nice to see Microsoft store with newer and better products that could really compete with Apple. I'll continue to buy Apple, but a little healthy competition might mean that it won't cost me almost $100 to change my iPhone, Mac Air, and iPad batteries.
ReplyDeleteSince the famous 1984 commercial, Apple and Microsoft have reversed roles.
ReplyDeleteIf you bought your Apple to "Think Different", think again.
I think it is great. Everything Apple sells is over priced for what it is. I will never own a Mac as long as Windows is out there.
ReplyDeleteIt's great. Apple is over priced and over hyped.
ReplyDelete@Nameless 3:44pm I love all my Apple products- and I'm exclusively Apple- but let's not be revisionists.
ReplyDeleteApple was crap until Jobs returned and he and Johnny Ive brought Apple back to life in the late 90s.
I could care less about Apple, Macs, i-this and i-that. They want you to be able to only use within their tight control, then charge you like a _____.
ReplyDeleteThank God Almighty for Microsoft, Android, and anything not related to Apple!
Sounds likie a bunch of kids in here praising Apple like it's the best thing ever. What a bunch of garbage. Go listen to your expensive iTunes downloads that cost a foolish amount, then you only get a lossy compressed mp4 track that's only about 160kbps, then you can't even do with it as you please. What a rip off.
ReplyDelete