Microsoft to Open Branded Retail Storefronts
You’ve got to hand it to Apple. The company has managed to take its niche market and squeeze it until it screams bloody murder. The company’s line of Apple stores have been a big hit, leading a lot of people left wondering why Microsoft never decided to get in on that action. Well, apparently someone at MS finally got around to asking that same thing, as the company announced yesterday that it plans to open its own chain of branded stores.
News of the new line of Microsoft retail outlets comes at a surprising time, with the economy struggling and many companies tightening their belts. While Microsoft didn’t comment on how many stores it was looking to open, when the stores would start showing up, or which of its products would be on sale in the new storefronts, it’s probably a safe bet to assume that the Microsoft stores will be stocked with Xbox 360s, Zunes, and probably more than a few copies of Halo, Gears of War, and Viva Piñata.
One thing we do know is who Microsoft is putting in charge of the upcoming stores. David Porter, a former DreamWorks Animation executive in charge of worldwide product distribution, was named as Microsoft’s new vice president of retail stores yesterday. Prior to joining DreamWorks back in 2007, Porter spent 25 years at Wal-Mart Stores Inc., last serving the company as vice president and general merchandise manager of Entertainment.
